Perchwell
Centre for Laying
Hen Welfare
Hen Welfare
Laying Hen Welfare
Your partners to improve laying hen welfare and productivity, driving forward the egg industry.
Laying Hen Welfare
Your partners to improve laying hen welfare and productivity, driving forward the egg industry.
The Problem
of UK laying hens have broken or deformed keel bones — a figure that research suggests may significantly underestimate true prevalence.
Affected hens show reduced mobility, spend less time at feeders, and display elevated stress indicators. There is also emerging evidence of productivity effects, including reduced laying persistence.
Despite its prevalence, the issue remains under-researched relative to other welfare concerns, and is not yet addressed by most welfare standards in the industry.
Keel bone fractures (KBFs) are breaks and deformities of the sternum — the long bone running along a hen's chest — common in commercial laying flocks across all housing systems.
What We Do
We work with leading academic institutions to consolidate and extend the evidence on keel bone fracture prevalence, causes, and interventions.
We bring together researchers, producers, and industry bodies to connect the right people and translate findings into practical progress on farms.
We engage with the bodies that set standards for the egg industry, making the case for evidence-based welfare improvements and supporting the process of change.
Who We Are
Jacco Rubens
Co-Founder
Jacco has a background in strategy consulting and international development, with experience translating complex evidence into actionable insight for senior decision-makers.
Dr. Paul Yates
Co-Founder
Paul brings academic research experience and a track record of building and running organisations, ensuring Perchwell's work is grounded in evidence and well-managed from day one.
Advisors
Dr. Cynthia Schuck-Paim
Science Director, Welfare Footprint Project
A leading researcher on welfare outcomes in farm animals, with particular expertise in pain quantification in laying hens.
Dr. Aaron Boddy
Co-founder, Shrimp Welfare Project
Strategy advisor with direct experience building effective animal welfare organisations.
Get In Touch
We welcome contact from researchers, producers, industry bodies, and welfare organisations.
hello@perchwell.org