Best nesting box bedding for cleanest eggs?

[BeardedeagleGA]

We use these nest box liners from Amazon.

windy ridge co. Natural Chicken Nesting Pads - 10 Pack - Aspen Excelsior Bedding Hen Nest Box Liners - USA Made - 13" x 13" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XWH1MT...t_i_YABQ2NYGERP0GA89KV4W?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

They last for a long time and the hens scratch around to make little laying divots inside but they can’t kick all of it out because they are attached. Probably a bit overkill but my aunt had some from her old coop that she hadn’t used and I’ve been pleasantly surprised how well they’ve held up! They were already on hand so I always try free first lol.

I agree. They are the best I have found.

 

[-Shade-]

What is the best bedding (straw, hay, pine shavings, etc) for nesting boxes to get the cleanest eggs?

I am currently using straw. Whenever there is wet weather outside - almost all eggs are dirty. Also occasionally there is a poop in the nest (possibly because of some of them molting and have no other business to do in the nesting box). Also there is one chicken that lays very fragile egg that often crashes making all eggs in the nest covered with yolk.

Would pine shavings work better in cleaning their feet and neutralizing occasional poop at least? Not sure if anything could efficiently absorb a broken egg quickly enough.

Yes for me pine or cedar shavings have always worked the best for keeping them clean. Also, if one of your girls has fragile shells, try giving her some ground oyster shells, they help improve the hardness of the eggs.

 

[Trish1947]

I line my nest boxes with astro turf. Easy to clean and
no broken eggs.

Brilliant. I have tried straw, hay, shavings and those things you buy on Amazon that looks like cooler pads. They throw all of it out and are on the bare metal. I will try this Astro turf idea. Thanks

 

[CrystalAnon]

We use these nest box liners from Amazon.

windy ridge co. Natural Chicken Nesting Pads - 10 Pack - Aspen Excelsior Bedding Hen Nest Box Liners - USA Made - 13" x 13" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XWH1MT...t_i_YABQ2NYGERP0GA89KV4W?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

They last for a long time and the hens scratch around to make little laying divots inside but they can’t kick all of it out because they are attached. Probably a bit overkill but my aunt had some from her old coop that she hadn’t used and I’ve been pleasantly surprised how well they’ve held up! They were already on hand so I always try free first lol.

Thank you for this link!! It looks so fluffy & amazing. Can’t wait for my chicks to be old enough to use it!