Pullet Rearing Welfare Before the Laying Cycle

The welfare of laying hens during the pullet rearing phase - the first 16 weeks before they enter laying systems - sets the foundation for their health and behavioural capacity throughout their lives.

Key Facts

Pullets raised with perches are more likely to use them as laying hens
Beak trimming of chicks, common in the industry, reduces pain-sensitive tissue
Early access to litter enables dust bathing instincts to develop properly
Pullets reared in enriched environments show lower fearfulness as adults
Standard rearing density can reach 33kg/m2 or more for pullets
The Welfare of Animals in Captivity Act sets minimum standards for commercial pullets

Welfare Considerations

Pullet rearing welfare has long-term consequences because early-life experience shapes adult behaviour and stress responses. Birds that cannot access perches, litter, or natural light during rearing are less equipped to use these resources when they become available. Infrared beak trimming, while less damaging than older hot-blade methods, still removes sensitive tissue and causes pain. Better rearing conditions produce calmer, healthier laying hens with fewer welfare problems during production.

What You Can Do

Support laying hen welfare charities that campaign for better rearing standards
Choose eggs from hens reared in enriched systems from chick stage
Ask producers about their pullet rearing standards
Support research into pain-free beak trimming alternatives
Back legislation requiring consistent welfare standards across rearing and production phases