Farm Animals

Farmed Laying Hen Nest Box Welfare

Nest box design and availability significantly affects laying hen welfare by meeting the strong motivation to lay eggs in a private, covered space.

Key Facts

Hens show intense pre-laying behaviour including nest-site searching for up to 90 minutes
Absence of nest boxes causes extreme frustration and distress in pre-laying hens
Nest box design including dimness, covering, and litter substrate affects use rates
Inadequate nest box provision causes cage-floor laying and egg-eating
EU law requires minimum one nest box per 7 hens in cage-free systems

Welfare Considerations

Hens denied access to suitable nest boxes experience intense frustration during the pre-laying period - one of the strongest behavioural motivations in laying hens. Adequate provision of appropriately designed nest boxes with litter, privacy, and accessibility is a fundamental welfare requirement for cage-free laying systems.

What You Can Do

Support welfare certification specifying nest box design and provision standards
Advocate for nest box access requirements in cage-free welfare codes
Choose eggs from farms with documented adequate nest box provision