Scientific research on enrichment for laying hens demonstrates that environmental complexity significantly reduces fear, frustration, and feather-pecking, improving welfare across commercial flock systems.
Enrichment science for hens has moved beyond simple novelty provision to identifying which resources hens are most motivated to access and how system design can deliver them reliably. Hens show strong preferences for loose substrate for dustbathing, which reduces skin parasites and frustration. Nest boxes must be appropriately located and lit to avoid competition-related injury at lay. Perch height, material, and spacing affect keel bone integrity — a major unresolved welfare issue affecting up to 80% of commercial hens. Foraging enrichment such as pecking blocks and scattered grain redirects motivation and reduces feather-pecking without the welfare cost of beak trimming. Producers achieving the best welfare outcomes combine appropriate stocking density, thoughtful layout, and ongoing flock observation.