Methods for assessing animal welfare at farm level are based on a range of welfare parameters which can be divided into two categories: environment-based and animal-based. Environment-based parameters describe features of the environment and management, which can be considered prerequisites for animal welfare. Animal-based parameters records animals’ responses to particular environment and management factors. The current study was designed to assess the animal needs index (ANI), which is and environment-based method, with animal-based methods such as behavioural observations and feather condition scores (FCS). All measurements were taken during a one-day visit to each of 20 commercial laying hen farms. Positive correlations were found between ANI. Positive correlations were also found between ‘movement’ and ‘comfort’ behavioural factors. A negative correlation was found between ANI and ‘wing damage (from FCS). Conclusions stated that ANI was valid and sensitive enough to show differences in animal welfare between housing systems. Differences in welfare within housing systems, however, could not be shown. Thus, ANI was an appropriate method for assessment of laying hen welfare on a large number of farms with different housing systems.