Nesting box material?

[starkist72]

Mine really don't poop in the nesting boxes at all. I have been putting a layer of pine shavings in the bottom, then weeds from the garden (weeds are very free!) and since I have a ton I've been adding herbs (lavender, mint, oregano and thyme this week) to the top. Their coop smells good! They arrange it to their liking. I've only had them one summer and I haven't had any egg messes yet, but I hardly ever have to clean it! Time will tell

 

[philipchickymad]

how about sand ??? does that work ??

 

[cowhlb]

how about sand ??? does that work ??

NO! Never use sand. I have before and it is not clean, the chickens HATE it, and many chickens are allergic.

 

[lgkid]

My chickens are 6 months old and I have always used pine shavings and sand on the coop floor. 1 month ago I introduced hay to my chickens in their nesting boxes .
Never again .....
Severely impacted crop full of hay , the poor girl was starving herself to death. She had surgery today , seems happy .
Fingers crossed

 

[dheltzel]

My chickens are 6 months old and I have always used pine shavings and sand on the coop floor. 1 month ago I introduced hay to my chickens in their nesting boxes .
Never again .....
Severely impacted crop full of hay , the poor girl was starving herself to death. She had surgery today , seems happy .
Fingers crossed

Obviously, people have different experiences, but all my nestboxes have hay and the hens love it. I often see them sitting in there rearranging the hay like a songbird building a nest. Perhaps since they've been around hay, straw, wood chips and dirt their whole life they don't see the appeal in it as food. I do see them frantically picking trough new hay or straw, looking for seeds or any edible bits, they clearly have fun doing that, the roos calling over the hens to look at what he found.

 

[RonP]

I have been using my shredded junk mail and bills for years without issue in the nest boxes.

Yes, they will eat some, as they do everything else.

Inks today are nontoxic, and I don't use shiny papers.

Cleanups, if necessary are easy, and the material is cost effective and endless.

 

[chickenfarmer81]

I have a question what's better hay or pine shavings

 

[chickenfarmer81]

What's better hay or pine shavings