Farm Animal Welfare

Laying Hen Bone Health and Exercise

Osteoporosis and bone fractures are endemic in commercial laying hens - system design and management can dramatically reduce their prevalence.

Key Facts

Over 50% of commercial laying hens suffer bone fractures, often from osteoporosis
Calcium mobilisation for eggshell production depletes bone reserves progressively
Exercise on perches and in aviary systems maintains bone strength
End-of-lay mortality rises as bones become fragile over the laying cycle
Pre-slaughter handling causes additional fractures in weak-boned hens

Welfare Considerations

Bone fractures cause pain in laying hens throughout the laying period and especially at end-of-lay. System design that enables exercise and perch use, combined with nutrition and genetics, is the evidence-based path to reduction.

What You Can Do

Choose eggs from systems providing perches and opportunities for exercise
Advocate for bone health assessment in laying hen welfare audits
Support research into improved laying hen genetics for bone quality