Farm Animals

Poultry Welfare: Nest Box Innovation for Laying Hens

Innovations in nest box design are improving laying hen welfare by better satisfying pre-laying motivation and reducing competition for favoured nest sites.

Key Facts

Hens show strong preferences for enclosed, dark nest boxes that provide security during egg laying
Nest box occupancy time and queue length are welfare indicators of nest space adequacy
Automated nest data collection can alert managers to nest crowding problems in real time
Communal nest designs with appropriate screening reduce competitive displacement of subordinate hens

Welfare Considerations

Nest box design is a welfare detail that significantly affects laying hen quality of life during the daily egg-laying ritual. Innovations that better satisfy pre-laying motivation reduce the frustration and stress that subordinate hens experience when access to preferred nests is blocked.

What You Can Do

Support laying hen producers using evidence-based nest box designs
Advocate for nest box quality standards to be included in laying hen welfare certification
Engage with research on nest preference studies that inform improved nest design