Somebody help! I need to know which one it is?

[Lewbylew99]

Hello Everybody,

What is the best material to put in the nesting box?
If anybody knows please comment.

Lewbylew99

 

[TurtlePowerTrav]

Hello Everybody,

What is the best material to put in the nesting box?
If anybody knows please comment.

Lewbylew99

Everyone will have their own opinion, but me and my neighbor use straw. Some use cedar shavings.

 

[Wishing4Wings]

Some types of cedar can be a bit too strong for the bird's respiratory system. Pine shavings are considered safer.

 

[TurtlePowerTrav]

Sorry, meant pine shavings.

 

[aoxa]

I use shavings for convenience. Straw would be my preference for nesting boxes, but shavings are cheaper and easier to get ahold of.

 

[terryg]

I use pine shavings. I find that manure sticks to straw and hay, which makes for dirty eggs. When there is manure in the box, I clean out the nesting boxes with a kitty litter scoop. Easy! I also like how the shavings lighten up the chicken manure compost. You can see composting tips here: http://hencam.com/faq/chicken-manure-management/

 

[Lewbylew99]

But what helps them lay better? Which material?

Lewbylew99

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

Anything soft and fluffy they will like. I think the position and size and location of the nest box is more important.

 

[aoxa]

You can not make them lay better by putting nesting boxes in nice locations. You can help them feel comfortable while laying and keep the eggs clean and away from common areas.

I find my girls prefer straw, but I normally mix the two together if I have both available. Different girls like different things.

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

Precisely a nice location being one away from activity, easy to access, enclosed but not confining, and on...and hopefully one that will have eggs laid in it.