Laying Hen Keel Bone Fracture Welfare

The pervasive welfare problem of keel bone fractures in laying hens and evidence-based prevention approaches.

Key Facts

Keel bone fractures affect 50-80% of laying hens in commercial flocks across all housing systems
Keel bone fractures are associated with significant pain, behavioral changes, and reduced egg production
Fractures occur most commonly during perch landing in enriched colony and aviary systems
Selective breeding for bone strength can reduce keel bone fracture rates substantially
Perch design including cushioned surfaces and appropriate height reduces fracture incidence
Keel bone fractures are now considered one of the most significant welfare problems in the egg industry

Welfare Considerations

Keel bone fractures represent a welfare paradox: the enriched housing systems introduced to improve hen welfare by allowing perching have created a new welfare problem through increased fracture rates. The response is not to abandon enriched housing but to address the fracture problem through better perch design, genetic selection for bone strength, and management practices that support bone health. The welfare priority is ensuring hens can express natural perching behavior without the high fracture cost of current systems, requiring sustained investment in breeding and engineering solutions.

What You Can Do

Support research into keel bone fracture prevention through breeding and housing design
Choose eggs from farms that monitor and report keel bone fracture rates as a welfare metric
Advocate for inclusion of keel bone fracture rates in laying hen welfare certification standards
Encourage the egg industry to prioritize genetic selection for bone strength alongside production traits