Nesting boxes

[diana507]

If I put shavings in my nesting boxes like I have on the coop floor, will they think it's ok to go to the bathroom in there until I get a bale of hay? I really need to open the boxes but haven't been able to make it to the farm yet.

 

[QueenMisha]

Many people use shavings in their nest boxes with no ill effects, although in some cases hens have been shown to prefer boxes lined with straw. I've used both and noticed no difference in the amount of poop that got in there due to roosting/dumb young birds/roosters/etc. The ideal nesting box material is actually straw with 1-2 handfuls of shavings placed in the center of the box, to provide cushioning for the hens.

 

[diana507]

In Maine I don't think we can get straw other then store bought, which is expensive. I will not let them sleep in them. I will move them till they get the hint. I just didn't know for during the day. I will have to get some hay this weekend or buy an expensive bale of straw at TSC. They are getting close to laying and need to get them open.

 

[QueenMisha]

Hay works pretty well too. I have a friend who uses hay instead of straw in her nest boxes, with no ill effects. If it's cheaper or something, you may as well buy it instead.

 

[Ridgerunner]

You’d be surprised at what some people use. The standards seem to be straw, wood shavings, or hay, but some people use carpet, rags, folded up feed bags, shredded paper (don’t use newspaper, the ink will stain), even Spanish moss. People tend to care about this a lot more than the chickens do.

I cut long grass and dry it. I guess technically that is hay but it is free for just a little labor.