Intensive Farming

Nesting Material for Laying Hens Welfare

Provision of appropriate nesting material for laying hens is among the most impactful low-cost welfare improvements available in commercial systems.

Key Facts

Hens have strong motivation to lay in covered, enclosed nest boxes
Nesting behavior without appropriate nesting material causes chronic frustration
Provision of loose nesting material reduces egg floor laying and associated injury
Stress at laying affects egg quality as well as hen welfare

Welfare Considerations

Hens unable to access appropriate nesting space experience chronic frustration as they approach laying with strong behavioral drive to nest but nowhere to do so. Floor laying causes injury from other hens and loss of eggs. Nest box provision with loose material including straw or astroturf enables expression of nesting behavior that is among the strongest behavioral motivations in laying hens.

What You Can Do

Support egg systems with adequate nesting provisions
Advocate for nest box requirements in welfare standards
Buy eggs from producers with documented nesting access rates
Back research into nesting material provision optimizing hen welfare