Foraging is a highly motivated behavior in laying hens that intensive housing systems routinely deny — provision of litter and foraging opportunities substantially improves behavioral welfare.
Foraging in hens is a primary-motivated behavior that operates independently of nutritional state — hens continue to forage even when full, because the behavior itself provides positive reinforcement. Denying this behavioral outlet creates frustration that redirects into feather pecking and aggression. Providing litter substrate that hens can scratch and peck directly addresses one of the most fundamental behavioral welfare needs of laying hens. The welfare case is strong and the practical implementation is straightforward. Quality of substrate matters as much as its presence — maintaining dry, friable litter requires management attention that welfare-conscious certification should require and verify.