We just started getting eggs a few days ago, so we're pretty excited about that, but I was wondering if anyone has any good recommendations for what to use on the bottom of a nesting box. We've put pine shavings in them, but the chickens scratch it all out every time they go in. I wouldn't worry about it, but we've already had a couple eggs crack, I'm guessing because they were laid right on the wooden bottom of the nesting box.
Does anyone have any good ideas for what I can line the bottom of the boxes with that is removable for cleaning, cheap or free, and might cushion the eggs a bit? Should I not even worry about this and hope the shells will get stronger as they continue laying?
Also, I've got one that lays on the floor of the coop. Two or three others have found the nesting boxes and have been using them, but this one just keeps laying on the floor. Does anyone have any ideas about how to entice her to lay in a box. We've got 13 hens, and 6 nesting boxes, so I don't think it's an issue with the boxes being too crowded.
Does anyone have any good ideas for what I can line the bottom of the boxes with that is removable for cleaning, cheap or free, and might cushion the eggs a bit? Should I not even worry about this and hope the shells will get stronger as they continue laying?
Also, I've got one that lays on the floor of the coop. Two or three others have found the nesting boxes and have been using them, but this one just keeps laying on the floor. Does anyone have any ideas about how to entice her to lay in a box. We've got 13 hens, and 6 nesting boxes, so I don't think it's an issue with the boxes being too crowded.