Enrichment for laying hens goes beyond providing perches and nest boxes; research identifies specific resources that reliably produce positive welfare outcomes at commercial scale.
Enrichment science for laying hens has identified a hierarchy of behavioral needs that must be met for good welfare. Dust bathing is the clearest priority: hens perform vacuum dust bathing within hours of deprivation, demonstrating intense behavioral motivation. Appropriate substrate (sand, peat, wood shavings) must be provided in sufficient quantity for simultaneous use. Foraging substrate provides occupation and reduces redirected pecking. Perches for sleeping reduce overnight crowding stress and improve keel bone health. Nest boxes allow pre-laying behavior and reduce egg laying in undesired locations, reducing disturbance to laying hens. Systems that provide all of these resources simultaneously — such as pasture-raised and organic systems — consistently show better welfare outcomes across multiple indicators.