nesting box question

shavings work just fine a lot of people use them

 

I use pine shavings, but either one is fine.

 

I use hay. I used to use pine shavings, but like hay much better. Other than a stray strand or two that the hens pull out and play with while laying, the hay stays in place alot better than the shavings ever did.

 

I use pine shavings. For me, its easier to keep clean and my girls are perfectly comfortable with it.

 

Here is a poll on what preference people have for nest material:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=231345

 

I use a base of shavings and then put some hay on top. the girls like the hay better than just shavings but would push so much out of the box that I didn't feel there was enough cushion. they leave the shavings alone under the hay.

 

Aspin shavings (I like the smell better).

The hens make a little nest in the shavings.

The shavings are easier to clean. If they accidently poo, which rarely happens, you just grab the clump and the box is clean again.

 

I was cleaning one nest box and didnt have any fresh straw handy so I used pine shaving from the bag,my hens refused to lay in the shavings,I have three other nest boxes but this was their favorite.I removed the shavings and replaced the straw and they started using it again,,picky birds,and stubborn,,

 

Quote:They can get very set in their ways and Lord help the silly chicken keeper that tries to upset their routine.