Access to perches is a fundamental behavioral need for laying hens, supporting natural roosting instincts, bone health, and escape from aggression — yet perch design and placement critically determine whether hens actually use them.
Perch provision addresses a deep behavioral motivation that reduces fear, improves bone health, and allows hens to escape social aggression. However, perch provision alone is insufficient — design and placement determine whether hens can safely access and use perches. High perches preferred by hens come with keel bone fracture risk during descent; the welfare trade-off between behavioral preference and physical injury risk is a central challenge in enriched system design. Research into perch design — including sloped descent surfaces, intermediate platforms, and landing cushions — is gradually producing evidence-based recommendations that improve both behavioral access and physical safety.