Pullet rearing conditions during the first 16 weeks of a laying hens life fundamentally affect her welfare and behaviour throughout her productive career.
Pullet rearing welfare has lifelong consequences for laying hen welfare. Hens reared in environments matching their adult production system show lower fear responses, better flock integration, and lower mortality. Early access to perches during rearing develops the skeletal strength preventing osteoporosis in high-producing adults. Environmental enrichment including litter, perches, and foraging opportunity during rearing reduces feather pecking incidence. The welfare and productivity benefits of matched rearing systems justify the additional cost of more complex rearing housing.