Hen Enrichment - Sauder's Eggs

Our Hens Matter

Happier, healthier hens are often more productive layers. Our family-owned and operated company is proud to serve as an extension of many small independent farms. All farms in Sauder’s Eggs’ network must follow strict guidelines and undergo regular inspections, ensuring that chickens are cared for properly and humanely, with enrichment practices that promote the flock’s overall well-being.

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Our Enrichment Philosophy

At Sauder’s Eggs, we aim to make our network of hens as happy as possible and ensure they thrive. We encourage enrichment to provide the mental and physical stimulation that chickens need to prevent boredom and stress-related behaviors, like feather picking.

Enrichment allows chickens to perform natural instincts, such as dust bathing, foraging, and pecking. When expressed in a positive and healthy manner, these behaviors help support stronger immune systems and increased egg production.

Hen Enrichment Types

A stimulating environment is essential for good animal welfare — chickens need to be mentally engaged to stay happy, and a lack of stimulation can lead to boredom or stress. Common enrichment types include:

Introducing different textures and varied surfaces for chickens to walk on, such as straw bales or rotated objects.
Providing a place for the hens to roost, which stimulates movement and supports their leg health.
Placing sand or dirt in a space, allowing chickens to take dust baths that clean their feathers and skin.
Having the flock interact with colorful balls, hanging items, or puzzle feeders.
Hanging vegetables or scattering treats that the chickens can peck at.
Playing music or calming sounds to stimulate the flock’s senses.

Benefits of Enriched Environments for Hens

Hen enrichment helps reduce stress and negative emotions. By preventing boredom and aggression, the stimuli encourage natural behaviors and contribute to a flock’s overall wellness. An enriched environment can:

Better physiological conditions can contribute to a hen’s egg weight and total mass.

Interactive objects and perches that require climbing can enable physical activity.

Activities, like pecking toys and puzzle feeders, can promote problem-solving skills.

Enrichment can promote natural behaviors and movement, which contribute to stronger bones

Measuring Enrichment Success

An important part of creating an enriched environment for hens is measuring the results. Ways to measure enrichment success include:

Adding stimulants to the hens’ housing system or outdoor areas.
Measuring how quickly hens explore new places or interact with novel objects.
Assessing how much time hens spend interacting with those enrichment items.
Rotating or moving items to provide exciting environmental changes.
Observing “play” behavior among individuals or groups of hens.
Counting the number of hens engaging in natural behaviors, such as foraging or dust bathing.
Monitoring how less stress and aggression impact the hens’ overall wellness over time.

Experience the Difference

Our farms diligently care for their hens to help them deliver the best possible product. When you buy from Sauder’s Eggs, you can rest assured that your eggs are coming from happy and healthy chickens.

Our dedicated team stays current with the latest animal welfare standards, hen husbandry guidelines, and industry innovations. If you’re looking for eggs near you, use our store locator tool today.