Layer Hen Bone Health and Welfare

Bone fractures are one of the most serious welfare problems in laying hens, affecting millions of birds and causing significant pain and suffering.

Key Facts

Over 50% of commercial laying hens suffer bone fractures during their laying life or at slaughter
Calcium is rapidly mobilized from bones to form eggshells, weakening the skeleton over time
Osteoporosis in laying hens is so severe it is termed 'caged layer fatigue' in intensive systems
Enriched colony cages and free-range systems allow wing flapping and flight, which builds bone strength
Hens with fractured bones continue to lay eggs, masking welfare problems from producers
Selective breeding for high egg production has exacerbated bone weakness in commercial breeds

Welfare Considerations

Bone fractures in laying hens represent a major hidden welfare crisis. Unlike many injuries, hens rarely show obvious signs of pain, yet fractures of the keel bone (sternum) are extremely common and cause chronic pain. The calcium drain of continuous egg production combined with lack of exercise creates severe skeletal fragility. Free-range and aviary systems that encourage physical activity significantly improve bone density. However, even in enriched systems, fracture rates remain unacceptably high, highlighting the need for both housing improvements and breeding reform focused on welfare rather than maximum production.

What You Can Do

Choose free-range or organic eggs from hens with outdoor access and perch use
Support welfare organizations researching and advocating for improved laying hen standards
Ask food service providers about their egg sourcing and welfare standards
Support legislation to ban battery cages and strengthen enriched colony cage standards