Intensive Egg Laying Hen Bone Fractures

Laying hens in commercial systems suffer extremely high rates of bone fractures due to calcium depletion from high egg production rates combined with limited exercise and poor bone development in cage systems.

Key Facts

Up to 35% of laying hens have at least one fracture at slaughter in intensive systems
The calcium demands of egg production deplete bone density progressively over the laying year
Hens in cage systems have limited exercise to maintain bone strength
Free-range and barn systems show significantly lower fracture rates due to increased mobility
Keel bone fractures are particularly prevalent and cause chronic pain that affects behavior and welfare

Welfare Considerations

Keel bone fractures in laying hens cause persistent pain that modifies behavior — hens with fractured keels show reduced movement, altered posture, and feed restriction consistent with chronic pain. The fracture prevalence is so high in some systems that it represents a near-universal welfare problem affecting the majority of hens in conventional egg production. The combination of high egg production rates and inadequate exercise creates an inherent bone health problem that cannot be resolved without systemic changes to genetics or housing.

What You Can Do

Choose free-range or certified welfare eggs with documented lower fracture rates
Support campaigns for end-of-lay welfare standards including humane transport and slaughter
Advocate for maximum stocking densities that permit adequate exercise in all egg systems
Raise awareness about keel bone fractures as a key welfare indicator
Donate to laying hen welfare research and reform campaigns