Slaughter of Laying Hens at End of Lay

Spent laying hens have minimal market value and are often killed using methods of variable welfare quality. Improving slaughter welfare for these billions of birds is an urgent priority.

Key Facts

Over 7 billion laying hens reach end of lay annually and are slaughtered for low-value meat or pet food
Maceration of male chicks at hatch is related to spent hen killing — both reflect zero-value killing
In-ovo sexing technology eliminates male chick culling — its adoption is accelerating globally
Spent hen slaughter commonly uses gassing or cervical dislocation — welfare quality is variable
Some producers use carbon dioxide stunning that is more welfare-positive than other methods

Welfare Considerations

Spent laying hens are among the least welfare-protected of all farm animals at slaughter. Their low market value means producers invest minimally in slaughter infrastructure. Gassing methods of variable effectiveness and cervical dislocation performed with varying skill are common. Improving spent hen slaughter welfare requires both technical investment in better stunning equipment and enforcement of existing stunning requirements. Consumer pressure on egg brands to address spent hen fate is an underutilized lever.

What You Can Do

Ask egg brands about their spent hen slaughter protocols and welfare standards
Support in-ovo sexing technology adoption that eliminates male chick killing
Advocate for spent hen slaughter welfare to be included in laying hen certification
Support organizations campaigning for all-bird welfare including end-of-lay slaughter
Reduce egg consumption or choose plant-based alternatives