The Hazel Grouse nests on the ground. The nest is a simple shallow scrape, often hidden under a spruce or beside a stump, lined with leaves and dry grass. The female usually lays 7–11 eggs, which she incubates for about 23–27 days. The chicks are nidifugous and leave the nest soon after hatching to follow the hen, who takes care of the brood alone. The chicks can flutter short distances after only a couple of weeks.