Perches are a fundamental welfare requirement for laying hens, supporting natural roosting behaviour, reducing keel bone fractures, and improving foot health when properly designed and installed.
Perch provision is non-negotiable for laying hen welfare, yet the quality of perches in commercial systems frequently fails to meet hens' needs. Too narrow, too high, too slippery, or poorly positioned perches lead to underuse, falls, and injuries that compound the already high keel bone fracture rates in commercial flocks. Evidence-based perch design — appropriate diameter, non-slip surface, accessible height, adequate space per bird — dramatically increases use and reduces injury. Industry-wide adoption of improved perch standards represents one of the most achievable, cost-effective welfare improvements available in commercial egg production.