Farm Animal Welfare

Hen Keel Bone Fracture Prevention

Keel bone fractures affect the majority of laying hens in many housing systems, causing chronic pain and reducing welfare throughout the laying period.

Key Facts

Up to 80% of hens in some free-range systems have keel bone fractures
Fractures cause chronic pain, affect feeding and resting behavior, and reduce egg production
Falls from perches are a major cause of keel bone fractures in multi-tier systems
Perch design, incline, and height significantly affect fracture rates
Genetic selection for stronger bones is being explored as a long-term solution

Welfare Considerations

Keel bone fractures are a pervasive and underrecognized welfare problem in laying hens. The high prevalence even in free-range systems means this is not simply a cage welfare issue - all housing systems require attention to perch design and hen bone health.

What You Can Do

Support egg producers investing in fracture-reducing perch design
Advocate for keel bone fracture monitoring as a mandatory welfare indicator
Donate to research into genetic and housing solutions for keel bone health