The motivation to perch is among the strongest behavioral drives in laying hens, and deprivation in systems without adequate perching structures causes significant frustration and welfare compromise.
Perching motivation in laying hens is a welfare indicator rarely discussed outside scientific literature. Hens have been shown to work extremely hard to access perches — indicating a strongly motivated behavioral need with deep evolutionary roots. Cage systems that prevent perching deprive hens of a fundamental behavioral expression every single night of their productive lives. Even cage-free systems with inadequate perch design or insufficient perch space may not fully satisfy this need. Welfare-positive housing must provide appropriate perching structures that allow full behavioral expression of this strongly motivated need, placed at heights and with designs that support both welfare and foot health.