Farm Animals

Poultry Hen Bone Health and Osteoporosis

Laying hens are at extreme risk of osteoporosis due to calcium mobilisation for eggshell production, with bone fractures causing significant pain in millions of birds.

Key Facts

Laying hens produce over 300 eggs annually, each requiring 2g of calcium for the shell
Medullary bone provides calcium reserves but is insufficient for sustained production demands
Osteoporosis affects the majority of commercial laying hens by end of lay
End-of-lay hens have extremely fragile bones that fracture during catching and transport
Enriched colony cages and free-range systems with perch access improve bone mineralisation

Welfare Considerations

Bone fractures cause severe pain in a very high proportion of commercial laying hens. Improved housing and exercise are proven interventions that reduce this largely hidden suffering.

What You Can Do

Support free-range and barn systems that allow exercise and perching for hens
Advocate for bone health standards in laying hen welfare assurance
Raise awareness of osteoporosis as a significant but underrecognised hen welfare issue
Support research into nutritional and housing approaches to improving hen bone health