Farm Animals

Laying Hen Bone Strength Welfare

Osteoporosis and keel bone fractures cause significant pain in laying hens, representing a major welfare challenge across all housing systems.

Key Facts

Over 50 percent of laying hens have keel bone fractures by end of lay
Fractures occur across all housing systems including free-range and organic
High egg production rates deplete calcium from bones, causing structural weakness
Hens with keel bone fractures show reduced mobility and feeding behavior
Breeding for lower lay rates or supplementary calcium would reduce fracture prevalence

Welfare Considerations

Keel bone fractures cause chronic pain that persists throughout the laying period. The near-universal prevalence of this condition represents a systemic welfare failure requiring breed-level and husbandry solutions.

What You Can Do

Support certification schemes that require keel bone fracture monitoring
Advocate for breed selection that prioritizes bone health alongside production traits
Choose eggs from farms with lower stocking densities that allow more exercise