Hen Keel Bone Fractures in Commercial Laying Systems

Keel bone fractures affect the majority of hens in commercial egg production, causing chronic pain that is rarely diagnosed or treated.

Key Facts

Studies show up to 80 percent of hens in enriched colony cages have keel bone fractures
Keel bone fractures cause chronic pain indicated by behavioral and physiological measures
Fractures occur from collisions with perches, feeder edges, and other equipment
Free-range systems do not necessarily have lower fracture rates than cage systems
Breeding for lighter, more brittle bones has worsened the problem over decades

Welfare Considerations

Keel bone fractures represent a chronic pain epidemic in commercial egg production that remains largely hidden from consumers and inadequately addressed by industry. The majority of laying hens — whether in cages, barns, or free-range systems — fracture their keel bones during their laying lives. Research clearly demonstrates these fractures cause pain. Yet because laying hens rarely show obvious signs of pain and fractures do not affect egg production, the industry has been slow to treat this as a welfare priority.

What You Can Do

Support egg brands with active keel bone fracture reduction programs
Advocate for keel bone fracture to be included in egg welfare certification criteria
Ask retailers what their egg suppliers are doing about keel bone fracture rates
Support research into poultry genetics and housing design that reduces fracture risk