Laying Hen Pullet Rearing: Welfare in the First 16 Weeks

The welfare of laying hens is shaped by their experiences as pullets. Early-life exposure to complexity, perches, and social stability produces hens better equipped to cope with the challenges of laying house environments.

Key Facts

Pullet rearing lasts approximately 16-17 weeks before hens are transferred to laying facilities
Early perch use as chicks is essential for developing the bone density and muscle coordination needed for adult perching
Pullets reared with access to litter develop foraging skills they retain throughout their laying lives
Fear levels in adult hens are strongly influenced by handling frequency and gentleness during rearing
Transfer from rearing to laying facilities is a major welfare stress point - birds must establish new pecking orders in unfamiliar environments
Mortality rates in the first weeks of lay are partly attributable to transfer stress and inadequate rearing preparation
Pullets reared with nesting boxes are more likely to use nest boxes appropriately in lay, reducing floor eggs
Light spectrum and intensity during rearing affects visual system development and subsequent behavior

Welfare Considerations

The industry focus on laying hen welfare often neglects the formative pullet stage. Hens that arrive at laying facilities fearful, physically underdeveloped, or inexperienced with complex environments are ill-equipped to navigate the social and physical challenges of commercial production. Investment in high-quality pullet rearing - providing perches, litter access, gentle handling, and environmental complexity from the earliest weeks - creates more resilient, healthier hens with better welfare outcomes throughout their laying lives.

What You Can Do

Choose eggs from producers who disclose pullet rearing standards alongside laying conditions
Advocate for certification schemes that assess the full life cycle of laying hens, not just the laying period
Support research into optimal pullet rearing environments that prepare birds for adult challenges
Encourage welfare auditing bodies to include pullet rearing units in their assessment scope