Farm Animal Welfare

Laying Hen Keel Bone Fractures: Causes and Welfare Impact

Keel bone fractures are one of the most prevalent and significant welfare problems in commercial laying hens.

Key Facts

Studies find over 50% of hens in some commercial flocks have keel bone damage
Fractures cause chronic pain that affects normal behaviours including perching and movement
Colony cage and cage-free aviary systems both have high keel bone fracture prevalence
Collisions with structures and falls from height are primary injury mechanisms
Genetic selection for skeletal robustness is part of a long-term solution

Welfare Considerations

Keel bone fractures represent a massive, largely invisible welfare problem affecting a significant proportion of the world's laying hens. The chronic pain they cause is often undetected and untreated. Addressing this welfare issue requires a multi-factorial approach including housing design improvements, genetic selection, and management training.

What You Can Do

Support research and campaigns specifically targeting keel bone welfare in laying hens
Advocate for keel bone fracture monitoring as a mandatory welfare indicator in egg production
Choose egg certification schemes that track and address keel bone injury rates