Poultry Welfare

Floor-Laid Eggs and Hen Welfare Challenges

Floor-laid eggs in barn and free-range systems represent a welfare challenge associated with behavioral problems and management failures in laying hen flocks.

Key Facts

Floor-laid eggs are associated with feather pecking and injurious behaviors in some studies
Hens that lay on floors rather than in nest boxes may face greater competition and stress
Pophole design affects whether hens use outdoor areas and can influence floor-laying rates
Flock management including lighting programs affects nest box utilization rates
Floor-laying is more common at younger ages as hens learn nest box use

Welfare Considerations

Floor-laying in cage-free and free-range systems reflects management challenges that must be addressed to realize the welfare benefits of these housing systems. Inadequate nest boxes, poor lighting programs, and insufficient guidance during rearing contribute to floor-laying. Addressing these management factors improves hen welfare by reducing competition and floor-laying-associated problems while enabling the welfare benefits of cage-free housing.

What You Can Do

Support cage-free systems with good management standards not just housing type
Ask egg producers about their nest box provision and floor-laying management protocols
Advocate for management training to be part of cage-free welfare certification requirements
Choose eggs from certified cage-free systems with demonstrably good welfare outcomes