Farm Animals

Laying Hen Keel Bone Fractures and Perch Welfare

Keel bone fractures affect 50-80% of commercial laying hens and cause significant pain. Perch design, bone density and housing system all influence fracture risk.

Key Facts

Keel bone fractures are the most prevalent welfare problem in laying hen systems
Colony cage systems have high keel bone fracture rates despite more space than battery cages
Free-range and barn systems show variable fracture rates depending on perch design
Fractures cause detectable pain behaviours and altered movement patterns

Welfare Considerations

Keel bone fracture pain is now well-established as a chronic welfare burden for laying hens. Perch design innovations reducing impact velocity during landing, combined with genetic selection for bone density, offer the most promising welfare solutions.

What You Can Do

Choose eggs from hens in systems with evidence-based perch designs
Support research into laying hen genetics that prioritise bone health
Ask egg suppliers about their keel bone monitoring and welfare improvement plans