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 Sauder’s Eggs branded eggs come from farms that 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.

Learn More About Our Quality

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 their 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 rotating 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.
Letting the flock go outside: grass is just the start and providing a variety of vegetation to encourage natural behaviors, like perching, and a variety of snacks, like insects and flowers.

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

Visit Our Info Center to Learn More

Our farms diligently care for their hens to help them deliver the best possible eggs. 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. Explore our Nest and latest blog posts to learn more. If you’re looking for eggs near you, use our store locator tool today.