Is it safe to use fabric scraps in nesting boxes?

[Starby]

So, I cannot seem to find much information on alternative nesting materials. We got our first egg yesterday, yay! So exciting. For now the nesting boxes just have pine shavings and that seems to work great. However, I sew and crochet a lot. I have a lot of "serger spaghetti" and yarn scraps saved up in a box. I sometimes use it as stuffing for projects. Is it safe to use this type of material in the nesting boxes for the girls? Just thought it'd be nice and cozy for them but thought I should check with the experts! Sorry if this is a dumb question.

 

[Percheron chick]

I wouldn't. They try to eat everything. Strings from the feed bags get tangled around their feet if you don't pick them up and they run around with little hobbles. You also want natural compostable products in your coop and nesting boxes.

 

[Starby]

Exactly the kind of answer I was looking for, thank you!! They sure do eat everything...sheesh!

 

[azygous]

A very cheap and excellent alternative nesting material is newspaper. I use it with great success in my infirmary crate and as nesting material in the nest boxes sometimes. I have a small paper cutter, and I cut it in narrow strips, about half an inch in width. It forms a very fluffy nest,is very absorbent, and the chickens seem to like it just fine.

 

[Joshchicken11]

Yeah, I agree. My younger brother Shreds

paper 24/7. So we have two garbage bins full of paper! It works great!