Farm Animal Welfare

Laying Hen End-of-Lay Welfare

The welfare of laying hens at the end of their productive life, including transport to slaughter, lairage, and slaughter methods, remains a significant welfare challenge.

Key Facts

End-of-lay hens are fragile due to osteoporosis and feather loss from production
High mortality rates during catching and transport are a welfare indicator
Depopulation by CO2 gas and controlled atmosphere killing are increasingly used
Some hens are macerated or composted live in some countries
Rehoming schemes offer an alternative to slaughter for small numbers of hens

Welfare Considerations

End-of-lay hens face some of the highest welfare risks in egg production, with fragile bones and compromised condition making handling, transport, and slaughter particularly risky. Improving end-of-lay welfare requires attention to catching, transport conditions, and slaughter methods.

What You Can Do

Support welfare improvements in end-of-lay hen handling and slaughter
Consider rehoming ex-laying hens from adoption schemes
Advocate for end-of-lay welfare standards in egg production certification