Keel bone fractures affect the majority of laying hens in many production systems. This largely hidden welfare problem causes significant pain and requires systemic solutions.
Keel bone fractures represent one of the most pervasive welfare problems in commercial egg production, affecting a majority of hens in many systems including certified free-range. The chronic pain of healed but previously fractured keel bones likely affects hens throughout the laying period. Breeding for better bone density, perch design modifications, and stocking density management can reduce prevalence. The fact that this problem exists at high rates in free-range systems demonstrates that system-level welfare goes beyond just free range versus cage.