A Compassion Over Killing Report:
Animal Suffering in the Egg Industry
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.
According
to Dr. Ian Duncan, the most significant source of frustration
for battery hens is "undoubtedly the lack of nesting
opportunity."(