Cracked eggs?!

[pippsqueak]

So right now in my nesting box its just plywood and shavings but, hens are scratching all the shavings out as they are trying to lay so when the egg drops it cracks on one side. Is there something I can do to make it padded when the eggs drop out that they won't kick around or eat.

 

[Chinchilla2]

You could try hay instead of shavings. Put in a bed of shavings, add a handful or two of dry hay. If the hay doesn't get scratched out, you could slowly start to remove it over time leaving just the shavings, if you want.

 

[AnaD]

I cut a bit of cardboard to fit the bottom of the nest box when no matter how much nesting material or what kind it always got scratched away. So far it works great.

 

[dbounds10]

I bought these nest pads and they are fantastic!

http://www.eggcartons.com/13-x-13-Excelsior-Nesting-Pads/productinfo/EP1313/