Farm Animal Welfare

Laying Hen Perch Use and Design for Welfare

Perch design significantly affects laying hen welfare through bone strength, keel bone injury risk and natural roosting behaviour expression.

Key Facts

Hens strongly prefer to roost on elevated perches at night as an anti-predator behaviour
Perch height affects keel bone fracture risk with higher perches increasing collision and fall risk
Rounded perch edges and appropriate surface material reduce foot and keel injury
Aviary system perch design enables hens to move between levels safely with gradual height increases
Perch provision is associated with stronger bones compared to cage housing

Welfare Considerations

Perch design is a critical welfare factor in cage-free laying hen systems. Poorly designed perches with sharp edges or excessive height contribute to the keel bone fracture epidemic. Evidence-based design standards that balance bone strength benefits against injury risk are needed.

What You Can Do

Support laying hen welfare research specifically addressing perch design and keel bone injury
Choose certified eggs from operations with evidence-based perch design standards
Advocate for perch design specifications in laying hen welfare legislation