For those that use sand...

[chickyboomboom]

Do you use something else in the nest box? or do you also use sand? I put pine shavings in the nest box and sand everywhere else and all 5 girls slept in the nest box last night. They are so used to the pine shavings so I think they felt safe there. I took the pine out today and replaced it with sand, because I don't want them to make a habit out of sleeping in there.

So I was just wondering... when they get to the laying phase, do you also use sand there? Should I block off my nest box until then?

 

[maggiegigs]

I use "stall dry" for horses mixed in with my pine shavings in the coop. It clumps everything together and makes it very easy to clean. Get a kitty litter spoon and you can clean easily or a rack. I do not use it in the nesting boxes only shavings. Someone on this forum recommended the stall dry and it works like a charm. I do not believe you should block the nesting boxes...they will eventually go on the roost. It is natural for them to do so. Mine did not for over a month when I first got them. Be patient.

 

[chickyboomboom]

Thank you! I'll pick up some stall dry next time I go to the feed store. I've heard great things about this stuff!