Farm Animal Welfare

Laying Hen End-of-Lay Management and Welfare

End-of-lay management presents significant welfare challenges, with millions of hens slaughtered or undergoing induced moult annually.

Key Facts

Commercial laying hens typically reach end of lay at 72-80 weeks in modern production
Spent hens have low commercial value, creating economic pressure to minimise slaughter costs
Gas killing using CO2 gas or CAS (controlled atmosphere stunning) is preferred over maceration
Forced moulting extends lay by 6-12 weeks but involves feed deprivation that is banned in the EU
Home composting of spent hens is practised by some backyard keepers and raises welfare questions

Welfare Considerations

End-of-lay is a welfare vulnerable point: hens are in poor physical condition, transport and handling stress is elevated, and the economic incentive to minimise care is highest. High-welfare slaughter methods and transport protocols are essential. Forced moulting through feed deprivation causes significant suffering and is unnecessary.

What You Can Do

Support bans on forced moulting through feed deprivation in egg production
Choose eggs from certified welfare schemes that cover end-of-lay management
Advocate for mandatory gas killing rather than cervical dislocation for spent flocks
Support research into higher-value uses for spent hens that incentivise improved end-of-lay welfare