nest boxes: line with carpet??

[BeardedChick]

I'd like to line my nest boxes with something other than hay, because my hens scratch the hay out first thing.

What are good alternate materials that will stay in place? I was thinking of trying astroturf or something like that...

 

[joebryant]

Mine are lined with indoor/outdoor carpeting with carpet padding under the carpeting.

 

[patandchickens]

How deep a lip do you have on your nestboxes? I've got about 5-6" or so I'd guess, and they move the shavings around in there but don't actually kick 'em out. Of course maybe I just have unambitious chickens

Pat

 

[BeardedChick]

Thanks Joe. That sounds like a clean setup with nice padding for the eggs. Perfect!

 

[BeardedChick]

Pat, the new boxes I just built have a 4" lip. Their old nest boxes had a taller lip and they threw all the straw out of it first thing, too.

They have been digging leftover carrots out of the garden & have dug whopping holes in the free range area. They really like to dig!

 

[lurky]

Hey Joe, what a great idea. Especially for people with little space to work with

 

[joebryant]

I forgot that there's a drop-down door behind the nests so that eggs can be gathered from the outside above a tunnel to the run.

EDIT: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=94930

 

[dlhunicorn]

I would hesitate to use carpeting because of the chemicals used to make them which releases as gas when they start to degrade (and granted that might take a while , but hey... I am paranoid bout everything...just ask anyone on this forum!)
I luv cardboard boxes... it is insulating and soaks up excess moisture away from the shavings or other nesting material you use... I use the low sided ones (apples and oranges come in them) and line with newspaper and then that nice smelling (anise) cage bird sand (my birdies always smell so good!) you get at the pet stores... I top that up with shavings and change the box when it seems moist (just throw it away and get a new free one from the grocery store)

 

[Chicabee19]

What about that fake green grass? It's plastic, so it can be washed!!

I know there is at least one BYC'er who uses it.

 

[RockyToggRanch]

I agree that the carpet thing would scare me...although I am also paranoid and over protective. I don't even like carpet in my house.
I use hay, usually the hay that's left on the pallet after I break bales for the horses. I pack it in full and make a nest shape for them and they're happy. They spin around like cats a few times and plop down. I love the smell of hay too.