Nest site selection and nest-building behaviour in domestic fowl (1989)

Duncan, I. J. H., Kite, V. G.

Abstract

It is more important for hens to have a nesting site with a substrate that can be moulded with the body and feet than one that can be manipulated with the beak. ... The hen has some 'need' to perform nest-building behaviour but does not have to build a nest herself; a pre-moulded nest is perfectly acceptable as long as it allows the performance of the behaviour. [However,] when pre-moulded nests were compared with traditional litter nests, the majority of hens opted for litter nests.