eating straw out of nesting box???

[eastultz]

My chickens, 2 red sex-links and one white leghorn, seem to be eating the straw out of their nesting box! I put in new filler, and they either knock it to the floor, or it disappears. Then all we can hear are their claws scratching at the nesting box. Is there something else I should put in instead??? This is a new behavior, they've been laying on the straw no problem for months now....

Any insight would be appreciated!
Thanks!

 

[wings]

I have the same exact problem, except I use hay instead of straw. Mine eat some and knock the rest out. I don't really think of it as a problem, more as a solution! This way, I don't have to add bedding to the coop as frequently. I just add some more hay to their boxes every Saturday, which is my day for checking over the coop.

 

[sara]

My chickens empty the boxes as fast as I fill them.

 

[wings]

Is that a problem in terms of the egg cracking, or something like that?

 

[eastultz]

Quote:
It's not a problem yet, there's been no cracked eggs, I just can't see how they could be comfortable, and I don't understand why this behavior has just started... They are in a 4'x8' yard with an 2nd story 2'x4' roost and nesting box. I had started to think they are bored and want more to do or something.

 

[cajunlizz]

Quote:
It's not a problem yet, there's been no cracked eggs, I just can't see how they could be comfortable, and I don't understand why this behavior has just started... They are in a 4'x8' yard with an 2nd story 2'x4' roost and nesting box. I had started to think they are bored and want more to do or something.

Maybe they are in the coop to much ? ..... Mine have 24/7 access to the coops and attached runs . they only enter to lay during the day , then re-enter when its time to roost and sleep .

 

[wings]

Quote:
It's not a problem yet, there's been no cracked eggs, I just can't see how they could be comfortable, and I don't understand why this behavior has just started... They are in a 4'x8' yard with an 2nd story 2'x4' roost and nesting box. I had started to think they are bored and want more to do or something.

What kind of food do they have? I heard that mash is better because it occupies them for longer periods of time. Also, do they get an opportunity to scratch and find tasty treats when in their yard?

 

[eastultz]

Quote:
It's not a problem yet, there's been no cracked eggs, I just can't see how they could be comfortable, and I don't understand why this behavior has just started... They are in a 4'x8' yard with an 2nd story 2'x4' roost and nesting box. I had started to think they are bored and want more to do or something.

What kind of food do they have? I heard that mash is better because it occupies them for longer periods of time. Also, do they get an opportunity to scratch and find tasty treats when in their yard?

They don't really have a run, per se, but a whole coop with an elevated area for the perch and nesting box. On the floor of the coop they have deep litter. I bring them tasty treats and vegetable scraps every day. They get let out into the backyard a few times a week, but hubby doesn't enjoy the destruction of the rest of the yard. I guess I may have to let them out more often....

 

[Rooster Ray]

I had the same problem when I used Hay when I changed to straw they stopped eating it. I still buy them a small bag of Alfalfa hay as a treat every now and then.

 

[wings]

Sounds like you've got the right idea... Do you have any pictures?