The rearing environment of pullets before they enter the laying flock has lasting effects on their welfare, including bone health, fearfulness and ability to use multi-tier systems.
Pullet rearing is a critical welfare window whose consequences persist throughout the laying life. Pullets reared on wire or in barren conditions develop weaker bones and poor perching skills, predisposing them to keel fractures and injury in adult enriched systems. Fear responses established in rearing persist into lay and contribute to welfare problems. Welfare-positive rearing includes perch provision, appropriate substrate, outdoor access for range-destined birds, and social stability to develop normal group behaviour.