Yeah I'd remove those mats from the nest boxes, not sure how much the chickens will like them. Instead, for extra padding (as they'll scratch the nesting material around), what I like to do is put some bubble wrap in empty feed bags, then fold them to fit snugly in the nest box floor, and top with nesting material of choice. Some shavings or straw instead would be more comfy for them to sit on.
Yes, they'll likely not lay for awhile but they'll know it's there
I’m wildly green in most areas chicken, what does it mean when you ask if they will squat for you?
i have some plastic nest boxes that i got from TSC and i bought those pokey things for the boxes but they seem kinda stiff and would not be comfy so i put some straw over them...or shavings...not a lot but to make it a bit better. i think it is so they won't get TOO comfortable in them? and you can hose them off.
They submit to you as if you were the dominant Rooster. Right after I noticed this they started laying.
They'll hold their wings out a little and lower their bodies down about halfway with bent legs (hence "squat") like bracing for a weight being placed on their backs. Which would be the rooster, hence the position.
