Need advice for final touches to my coop/nesting box floor material.

[E. Buzz Miller]

I plan on doing a full report from beginning to end on my new coop but in the meantime, I only have to add the pine chips/shavings to the coop floor but I'm concerned about space for my nesting box. The actual height entering it is 10.5 inches x 28" across. I don't want to take up anymore space trying to fit a plastic box or container in there for the hen to lay her eggs. I've got linolium layed down already, should I just put some shavings down in there & let them make the best of it? Or is there a better alternative?

BTW, I'm a newbie to this hobby & have spent the last 4 weeks building my 1st coop & run. I will be bringing 2-3 hens home later this week & will post up my story.
Thanks.

b.

 

[BetterHensandGardens]

Pine shavings in there will be great for them, here's a link to putting our chickens in their coop - they just have pine shaving in their nest boxes and seem to love it: http://www.betterhensandgardens.com/2010/07/07/chicks-in-coop/ You don't need any other kind of container in there.

 

[RGWright]

Pine shavings will work. I personally like and use stray, as it's a softer material and helps prevent the eggs from cracking. You could put a divider in that box, and make it two nest boxes (12 inches width is fine).

 

[2txmedics]

I use the deep litter method, shavings is all I use and I LOVE IT!!!!!

Before I used hay, that got ugly and mucky....and stunk, and it got all matted down, I also learned that the hay can habor mites/lice in it, since its like a straw and hollow, also got real brittle and hurt!!! Ever since shavings, I can just sift throught the mess with a rake, kind of like a kitty litter scoop....and it doesnt stink at all, I change it once a year ...no flies, no stink, I do put DE in it for mites/lice and bug keep away.

 

[Rebecky54]

Quote:
What is stray...I'm not familiar with it.

Thanks,

becky

 

[Rebecky54]

Quote:
What is stray...I'm not familiar with it.

Thanks,

becky

Sorry, I think I figured it out.....STRAW!! Jokes on me.

I use both, but I like straw or grass hay in the winter to keep the eggs from freezing. However, if an egg breaks, it's a mess!

Becky