The rearing period before laying hens begin egg production shapes their behavioral repertoire and ability to cope with adult housing. Early welfare failures have lifelong consequences.
The rearing period is critically important because early experience shapes the behavioral capabilities hens will draw on throughout their laying lives. Hens reared in barren conditions without perches, litter, or foraging opportunities develop behavioral deficits that impair their ability to use enriched housing as adults — they may not learn to use perches or lay eggs in nest boxes if never exposed to these features. Beak trimming during rearing, while intended to reduce injurious pecking, causes acute and potentially chronic pain. Transfer stress — sudden changes in environment, social group, and feed — can cause significant welfare impacts. Investment in high-quality rearing is essential for humane egg production systems.