Do I need bedding in the nest boxes?

[tmq]

My hens were messing up the nest boxes and hiding the eggs under the bedding. Do I need to have bedding in the nests? Will they lay OK right on the bottom of the nest box?

 

[silkiechicken]

They would be ok, but they won't be as comfortable. How bout just putting less bedding in?

 

[pattycake]

You'll probably get some eggs with hairline cracks, though. My hens scratch away the straw, and lay right on the wood, and while most eggs are fine now one every day or two is cracked on its landing end. I'm going to get some kind of lining for them.

 

[Katy]

I cut squares of outdoor astro turf rugs to fit the nest boxes. When they get messy I can take them out and hose them off.

 

[LeghornGuy]

I had the same problem.
When I placed the boxes without bedding or hay in the coop, some of the eggs cracked or had a hair line crack.
I put less hay/straw in the nest box.
Good luck with your flock
Chris