A COK Report:
Animal Suffering in the Egg Industry

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Nesting

According to Dr. Ian Duncan, the most significant source of frustration for battery hens is "undoubtedly the lack of nesting opportunity."(8) Every day, the hens search for a means and space to build a nest, as well as privacy they will never find, before being forced to lay their eggs on a metal-barred floor. According to Dr. Michael Baxter, this is likely to cause "significant suffering,"(9) and the hens show symptoms of "severe frustration,"(10) often throwing themselves against the bars of the cages or exhibiting stereotypical "pacing" when denied nesting materials and space. Dr. Mench has found that hens show a preference for nesting sites with litter, concealment, and protection for their nesting and incubation behaviors.(11) Battery cages provide none of these benefits.

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