Kicking bedding out of nests

[RyderTheChicken]

My chicken have been kicking there bedding out of the nesting boxes and laying the eggs in a box without a lot of bedding and I have found a few cracked, so I would like to know how to stop this.

 

[sylviethecochin]

You're not going to stop chickens from scratching. In my experience, they have two reasons: One, they're bored. Being a chicken is not the most interesting existence, and entertainment must be taken where it can be found. Two, they're trying to make a good, bowl-shaped depression so that they can sit comfortably. Since they're chickens, they're not aware that they're accomplishing the opposite of what they're trying to do.

I'd put up a higher lip on the outside of the nesting boxes if you can, so that it's harder to scratch bedding out. Put in deeper bedding so that they can make the nests they want without trying to drill into the floor. I'd also use straw or hay as opposed to pine shavings; it holds together better and makes a better nest.

Also, are you supplying oyster shell on the side? If they eat some of that, it can give the eggs a thicker shell, preventing cracking.

 

[21hens-incharge]

How old are the chickens?
I find when my pullets first begin laying they are overzealous in their scratching.

A good 5-6" lip in front of the nest box can really help.

 

[RyderTheChicken]

How old are the chickens?
I find when my pullets first begin laying they are overzealous in their scratching.

A good 5-6" lip in front of the nest box can really help.

The ones who are scratching are 16 months to 3 years

 

[RyderTheChicken]

Also, are you supplying oyster shell on the side? If they eat some of that, it can give the eggs a thicker shell, preventing cracking.

Do I put them in a separate bowl?
Will they just eat them?

 

[sylviethecochin]

Do I put them in a separate bowl?
Will they just eat them?

Yes and yes. I have a self-feeder in the corner that I fill during the warm parts of the year, since my hens forage during that time and aren't just eating a complete ration.

 

[IamRainey]

I think the higher lip on the nesting box suggestion was a good one.

I also use excelsior pads that are bonded to brown paper. They still scratch at it but it doesn't scatter like the loose wood chip bedding I put on top of it. It also provides some friction that keeps a decent layer of the shaved bedding in place.

 

[sealer39]

I just posted a thread about this. I admittedly screwed up and didn’t make the lip high enough, I’ll fix that. But, my Leghorns that just started laying three days ago will get in there and start scratching and won’t stop until it’s gone. Goggle “chicken nesting pads”, there are different types you can buy. I just bought the plastic ones from Stromburgs to try. You can also make your own pads out of an old runner, door mat, carpet or other strong material then staple it to the nest box as suggested by another member here.

 

[50-45-1]

What are you using for material in your nest boxes now?
If your chickens are tightly confined with a small or no run, it may be difficult to get them to stop. The bordom and need to scratch and be chickens is driving it.
Maybe also give them stuff to do and scratch through in the run. Like A flake of hay, or grass clippings.
I second the oyster shell idea. I offer it 365 days a year. It is one of the cheepest things i can do for my chickens. The same with granite grit. Its cheep and necessary, and my birds free range. I still make sure they have it at all times.
They should only visit nest boxes to lay an egg, period.
Good luck!
PS, if you use nesting material that offers up tasty tidbits like some hay that contains seed tops that chickens eat this will continue the problem. Wood shavings and most straw have nothing for them to eat. Hay is feed, straw is bedding.

 

[RyderTheChicken]

What are you using for material in your nest boxes now?
If your chickens are tightly confined with a small or no run, it may be difficult to get them to stop. The bordom and need to scratch and be chickens is driving it.
Maybe also give them stuff to do and scratch through in the run. Like A flake of hay, or grass clippings.
I second the oyster shell idea. I offer it 365 days a year. It is one of the cheepest things i can do for my chickens. The same with granite grit. Its cheep and necessary, and my birds free range. I still make sure they have it at all times.
They should only visit nest boxes to lay an egg, period.
Good luck!
PS, if you use nesting material that offers up tasty tidbits like some hay that contains seed tops that chickens eat this will continue the problem. Wood shavings and most straw have nothing for them to eat. Hay is feed, straw is bedding.

I use straw and they pretty much free range