Livestock

Farmed Laying Hen Nesting Behaviour and Welfare

Egg laying in appropriate nests is a strong behavioural drive in hens that caged systems completely deny.

Key Facts

Hens show clear signs of frustration when denied nest boxes before laying
The drive to lay in a nest box is as strong as hunger before oviposition
Furnished cages provide nest boxes but space is extremely limited
Free-range systems allow fuller expression of nesting behaviour

Welfare Considerations

Hens unable to access nest boxes experience intense pre-laying frustration that is comparable in distress to pain. Cage systems forcing eggs to be laid on wire floors deny a fundamental behavioural need. Even furnished cages often provide insufficient nest box space for the number of hens housed. This represents a widespread and systematic welfare failure.

What You Can Do

Choose free-range or cage-free eggs consistently
Support bans on all cage systems for laying hens
Advocate for nest box space requirements in certified welfare schemes
Reduce egg consumption or substitute plant-based alternatives