Laying Hen Perch Design for Keel Bone Health

Keel bone fractures affect the majority of laying hens in enriched colonies and cage-free systems. Perch design is a key preventive factor.

Key Facts

Keel bone fractures affect an estimated 50-80% of laying hens in commercial systems
Fractures cause chronic pain that reduces welfare and may affect production
Many fractures occur during or after perching, from collisions with structures
Perch design including material, diameter, and positioning significantly influences fracture rates
Padded or rubberised perches reduce impact forces on landing
Gentle ramp angles onto perches reduce collision injuries from inexperienced fliers
Floor-mounted perches near walls reduce drop distances and associated landing impact

Welfare Considerations

Keel bone fractures represent a major unresolved welfare problem in laying hen production, including in supposedly higher-welfare cage-free systems. The injury is painful and chronic. Progress has been made in understanding risk factors including perch design, breed, age and calcium status. Structural solutions exist and should be standard requirements in welfare assurance schemes.

What You Can Do

Support egg welfare schemes requiring structural interventions to reduce keel bone fractures
Ask egg suppliers about their keel bone fracture monitoring programmes
Choose eggs from producers actively addressing keel bone welfare
Support research funding into keel bone fracture prevention