Farmed Animals

Nesting Behavior in Hens: A Critical Welfare Need

Laying hens are highly motivated to find private nesting sites before egg laying; frustration of this need causes significant welfare harm.

Key Facts

Hens denied nest access show pre-laying distress behaviors for up to 2 hours
Nesting is so motivated that hens will endure electric shocks to access nest boxes
Laying eggs in the open rather than a nest causes measurable distress
Nest box availability and design significantly affects welfare outcomes

Welfare Considerations

The motivation to nest before laying is one of the strongest behavioral motivations in laying hens. Hens without access to nest sites show prolonged distress, vocalization, and escape attempts before being forced to lay on the floor. Providing adequate nest boxes — both in number and design — is a fundamental welfare requirement that is met in well-managed cage-free systems but absent from cage systems.

What You Can Do

Choose eggs from systems guaranteeing nest box access per welfare certification
Advocate for minimum nest box space standards in poultry welfare regulations
Support research into optimal nest box design for laying hen welfare
Engage egg producers about nest box provision as a welfare priority