Laying Hen End-of-Lay Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

End-of-lay hens face significant welfare risks at depopulation, transport and slaughter. Improved practices reduce suffering at this critical point.

Key Facts

UK laying flocks are typically depopulated at 72-80 weeks when egg production declines
Catching and crating at depopulation is stressful and injuries occur during this process
Laying hens are depleted birds with reduced muscle mass and osteoporosis from calcium loss for eggshell
Fracture rates during depopulation catching are significant due to bone fragility
Extended lay systems using different lighting reduce flock size but maintain individual hen production longer
In-ovo sexing technology could eliminate male chick culling and change laying hen management
Some retailers have committed to supporting laying hens through to natural death in rescue schemes

Welfare Considerations

End-of-lay welfare for laying hens is an important and sometimes overlooked welfare point. Birds that have endured a year of production are physiologically depleted and particularly vulnerable to injury during depopulation. Improved catching training, welfare-conscious depopulation practices and support for spent hen rescue schemes can reduce suffering at this stage. The economic value of spent hens is low, reducing industry incentive for welfare investment without external pressure.

What You Can Do

Support retailers and brands committed to higher welfare end-of-lay practices
Adopt spent hens from laying flocks through rescue organisations as pets where possible
Ask egg suppliers about their depopulation welfare standards and catching training
Advocate for welfare standards specifically addressing end-of-lay depopulation practices