Dynamic lighting as a key to preventing floor eggs in laying hens

In the transition to aviary housing systems, preventing floor eggs is one of the biggest challenges for egg producers. The proportion of floor eggs can rise to 10–15% of production, with direct consequences for labor costs, food safety, and economic returns. Floor eggs are not only labor-intensive to collect, but also pose an increased risk of contamination with pathogens such as Salmonella.

Traditionally, this problem has been addressed through improved nest design and genetic selection. However, attention is increasingly shifting to behavioral management via lighting as a strategic tool. The NatureDynamics system from ONCE Animal Lighting (Signify) offers a dynamic, science-based approach to encourage nest use and reduce floor eggs. This article discusses the physiological basis, followed by practical applications and economic implications.

Light perception and physiological basis

Chickens perceive light differently from humans. In addition to retinal photoreceptors, which are responsible for vision, pineal and hypothalamic receptors play a crucial role in circadian rhythms and reproduction. Red light penetrates deeper into skull and brain tissue and efficiently activates hypothalamic photoreceptors. This supports sexual maturity, higher estradiol levels, and a stable morning-oriented oviposition rhythm.

Red-enhanced white light during the day (broad spectrum) enhances vision, activity, and orientation within the system while still serving to stimulate hen nonvisual photoperception. When followed in the evening by a controlled dim-to-red sunset transition (approximately 30 minutes), the flock moves toward the system and the nests. Combining red-enhanced white light for daytime activity with a red twilight phase directs hens toward the nest boxes, reducing the likelihood of egg laying outside the designated nest area the next morning. These concepts form the basis of light recipes designed specifically for behavioral control.

Floor eggs: causes and consequences

The occurrence of floor eggs is multifactorial. Insufficient nest capacity, dominant hens blocking access, or unattractive nest environment all play a role. Dark zones under aviaries attract hens to lay eggs there. Management factors, such as feed distribution during peak oviposition or drafts near nest boxes, further aggravate the problem.

The consequences are significant. Beyond direct production losses, floor eggs increase labor requirements and raise contamination risks. Moreover, high floor egg prevalence can lead to cloacal pecking, which compromises animal welfare.

Dynamic light management as a solution

Light management influences hen behavior in three key ways:

1. Intensity: By specifically illuminating dark zones under aviaries, the share of floor eggs in those areas can be reduced by up to 80%.
2. Spectrum: Under certain light conditions, hens are more likely to recognize and use the nest boxes, as these appear more prominent in their visual field. Conversely, other lighting spectra serve to deter layout outside of nest boxes.
3. Dawn and Dusk transitions: A gradual 30-minute dimming phase, shifting toward a warm red spectrum, stimulates hens to move into the system in time and reduces the number of floor eggs the next morning. Additionally, a gradual morning sunrise program encourages ovipositioning within the nest boxes prior to exploratory and playful activites outside of the system.

These principles are integrated into the light recipes of the NatureDynamics system. 

Circadian rhythms and nest behavior

The behavior of a laying hen is strongly influenced by light. During the day, redi-enhanced white light supports vision and activity: hens become active quickly after lights-on, search for feed, and move efficiently toward the nest rows. Particularly in the first hours of the day, a bright red-enhanced white light is essential to reinforce the natural morning laying pattern.

Toward evening, the need changes. When the light is gradually dimmed and shifts to red, hens respond as if the sun is setting. This red light penetrates deeper into brain tissue and stabilizes the biological clock. The result is that hens retreat in time to the nests and the system, significantly reducing the number of eggs laid on the floor.

The spatial distribution in the barn also plays a role. Dark spots under aviaries are often attractive places for floor eggs. By slightly increasing the level of white light in these areas during the day, this attractiveness is reduced. At the same time, the nest row remains the logical place to lay, especially when it is the last zone to dim into red light in the evening.

The strength lies in the combination: white light during the day for activity and orientation, red light in the evening and morning for rhythm and nest discipline. This creates a clear daily structure: laying in the morning, resting in the afternoon, and retreating to the system at night. For the producer, this means fewer floor eggs, better nest occupancy, and a more stable laying curve.

Case study: reduction of floor eggs in a German barn

A commercial layer barn in Germany with 18,000 Lohmann LSL-Lite hens faced a floor egg rate of 12%. After installing the NatureDynamics system, with customized zoning and a dimming protocol simulating sunrise and sunset, this percentage dropped to 3.5% within four weeks.

The farmer also reported more uniform nest use and a reduction in cloacal injuries. This example illustrates how dynamic light management can have a direct and measurable impact on daily operations.

Economic and welfare benefits

Reducing floor eggs delivers significant advantages:

• Labor: Less manual collection saves 1–2 hours per barn each day.
• Food safety: Lower contamination risk reduces the chance of rejection.
• Animal welfare: Improved nest use lowers the incidence of cloacal pecking.
• Production efficiency: fewer floor eggs and improved animal health translates to improves egg output with less feed and resource inputs.

An economic analysis shows that reducing floor eggs from 10% to <5% can save a farm with 50,000 hens more than €25,000 annually, purely from avoided production losses and labor.

Conclusion and recommendations

Reducing floor eggs requires an integrated approach where nest design, management, and lighting come together. The NatureDynamics system provides unique added value: scientifically validated light recipes that positively influence the physiology and behavior of hens.

Practical recommendations:

• Illuminate dark zones under aviaries to prevent floor eggs.
• Apply a 30-minute dimming phase to simulate morning and evening transitions.
• Use zoning to manage specific barn areas with tailored light recipes.
• Monitor results systematically and adjust settings as needed.

By implementing these strategies, egg producers can structurally reduce the incidence of floor eggs, lower labor requirements, and improve the overall profitability of their operations.

Contact our team to learn how our tailored lighting solutions can help your operation thrive.