Laying Hen Keel Bone Fractures: A Hidden Welfare Crisis

Keel bone fractures affect the majority of laying hens in cage-free systems and represent a major unaddressed welfare problem.

Key Facts

Studies find keel bone fractures in 50-80% of cage-free laying hens at end of lay
Keel bone fractures are caused by collisions with perches and structures during landing after flight
Fractured keel bones cause chronic pain that affects feeding behavior, social interaction, and resting posture
Despite cage-free systems being promoted as welfare improvements over cages, keel fracture rates are often higher
Perch design, lighting intensity, and stocking density all influence fracture rates
Selective breeding for stronger keel bones is the most promising long-term solution

Welfare Considerations

Keel bone fractures represent one of the most significant and underacknowledged welfare problems in modern poultry production. The transition from caged to cage-free systems — promoted and celebrated as a welfare improvement — has inadvertently created an environment where the majority of hens experience chronic bone pain from fractures sustained during normal locomotion. This is not an argument against cage-free systems, which remain welfare-superior to battery cages overall, but it highlights that "cage-free" is not synonymous with "high welfare." Addressing keel fractures requires breed selection for bone strength, perch design that allows safe landing, and appropriate stocking density. The welfare community is increasingly recognizing this as a priority issue.

What You Can Do

Support egg producers using breeds with lower keel fracture rates and perch designs that reduce landing injuries
Advocate for keel bone fracture prevalence to be included in welfare certification assessment criteria
Donate to research on keel bone strengthening through genetics and housing design
Encourage retailers to include keel bone fracture rates as a welfare transparency metric for egg suppliers