Straw, hay, or shavings in nesting boxes?

[reddog1970]

Hi there,

We have 2 Buff Orpingtons, 2 barred rocks, and 2 Rhode Island Reds. Not anywhere near egg laying age yet, but planning ahead and wondering if it is just personal preference (owner and chicken) or is one better then the other? I have read conflicting things about straw and hay and that one can harbor bacteria.

Mike

 

[NottinghamChicks]

I use shavings in my nest boxes. When my silkie decides to go broody and I decide to let her hatch, I switch her over to hay in her nest. It's a signal that she can set. Otherwise I pull the eggs and she gets no hay. I can break broody fast by using this method.

I have never heard anything about bacteria, just keep it clean

 

[birdicus7]

I use saw chips in my coop so I use saw chips in my nest boxes....it makes it simple.

 

[Mark & Nique]

We have used pine shavings here from day one with no complaints.

 

[the4heathernsmom]

We use hay or pine straw

 

[Lyssa]

I use hay, but I'll probably be moving to pine shavings in the next few weeks.