The motivation to nest before laying an egg is one of the strongest behavioural drives in laying hens; frustration of this motivation causes significant suffering.
Nesting motivation in hens is not merely a preference but an urgent biological drive. Hens in cages without nesting opportunities show repeated stereotypic attempts to nest, elevated corticosterone, and signs of acute frustration. Even enriched cages with small curtained nest areas only partially meet this need. Free-range and free-range organic systems with adequate quality nest boxes best meet this fundamental welfare requirement.