Farm

Laying Hen End-of-Lay Welfare and Slaughter

At the end of their productive laying period, hens face stressful transport and slaughter, often in the same facilities used for heavy broiler birds with different welfare needs.

Key Facts

Laying hens are slaughtered at 72-80 weeks after a productive life, with significant muscle wastage
End-of-lay hens have high rates of keel bone fractures making handling painful
Controlled atmosphere killing using inert gases is available and has welfare advantages over shackling
Spent hen slaughter facilities often lack adequate provisions for the specific needs of light-breed laying hens

Welfare Considerations

The transition from farm to slaughter is a significant welfare challenge for spent hens due to physical fragility from laying-related bone loss and musculature. Welfare at this end-of-life stage is poorly monitored and regulated compared to production-phase welfare.

What You Can Do

Advocate for end-of-lay welfare standards including handling guidelines and slaughter method requirements
Support research on spent hen welfare assessment and improvement
Engage with laying hen welfare campaigns that address the full production cycle