Nesting materials

[Susanv47]

Hi everyone. I was just wondering what you use for nesting boxes filler. My girls do not like the straw we used. They kick it all out. I am happy to say I have received my first three eggs this week and I am thrilled beyond words.

 

[Kelsie2290]

Congratulations on those first eggs! Straw/Hay/Shavings are all good nesting box fillers... having a nice bottom lip, I like 4-6", on the box will help keep them from knocking things out since they will re-arrange anything you put in there.

 

[RonP]

Copied from another query:

Nesting boxes - shredded paper - free and easy to replace when soiled.

Coop floor - kiln dried large pine shavings - 8 to 12 inches deep - changed out once per year, dumped into run.

Run floor - wood chips, used pine shavings, dried leaves, yard waste, and basically anything biodegradable - free - 8 - 24 inches deep - composted black gardeners gold gets kicked out of 1/2 hardware fencing and disappears. Level seems to remain constant. Chickens love to dig craters and distribute it for me. I just routinely dump a garbage can full of "browns" into the run. Haven't cleaned it, ever. No mud, bugs, or smell.

 

[aart]

I think they will 'kick' just about anything out...... it's not that they don't 'like' it, they are going to arrange any bedding to get comfy.

Having a good lip on the front of nest will help keep whatever nesting material you choose stay in the nest box.