This study examined the reaction of laying hens to open sided and closed sided cages. In the first part of the study birds were allowed to choose between open and closed sided compartments. The birds demonstrated a preference (45-70% of birds) for open sided compared to closed-sided (15-25%) compartments in this short term assessment. The birds were then given continuous access to both compartment for 5 hours and a preference for spending time in the open-sided condition was still evident. Finally, heterophil:lymphocyte ratios were determined on birds housed long term in open and closed-sided cages. The higher ratios found in the birds in closed-sided cages indicates a higher level of stress. These results indicate that hens prefer open-sided conditions and are stressed by closed-sided cages.