Due to research in behaviour and welfare science, the welfare and health of egg laying flocks of chickens have improved. Genetic improvement has the ability to select birds that are healthier, have fewer metabolic and cannibalistic tendencies. The development of vaccines, improved biosecurity and training workers has also improved health and welfare. Less crowded conditions are in the future with industry making adjustments in space allocations. Other options for molting are being studied, so feed withdrawal may become a method of the past. Beak trimming, by trained personnel, should be used when non-aggressive strains are not used and / or when light intensity cannot be controlled. Information on proper euthanasia is provided by extension specialists and veterinarians. Egg producers are implementing new systems for euthanasia of spent hens. Environmental enrichment may be used in production facilities to improve environmental complexity. More research is required to determine how sound and odours affect birds.