Farm Animals

Poultry Welfare: Improving Broodiness Management

Managing broodiness in laying hens requires welfare-conscious approaches that address the strong motivated state without causing unnecessary suffering.

Key Facts

Broodiness is a strongly motivated behavioural state driven by hormonal changes in laying hens
Commercial hybrid breeds have reduced broodiness compared to traditional breeds but it still occurs
Traditional management involved isolation cages - a welfare concern due to confinement and restriction
Targeted hormonal interventions are welfare-preferable to isolation management for persistent broodiness

Welfare Considerations

Broody management in laying hens requires balancing the welfare of the broody hen - who is experiencing a strongly motivated biological state - with production management needs. Welfare-conscious approaches avoid prolonged confinement and use the minimum effective intervention.

What You Can Do

Support laying hen producers demonstrating welfare-conscious broodiness management
Advocate for broody hen management standards to be developed and included in welfare codes
Engage with poultry science organisations researching welfare-optimal broodiness management