Straw or shavings??

[Jemma Rider]

Alright my chicken friends, 23 Buff Orpington pullets, 2 Buff Orpington cockerel, they are all 18 weeks old, I found two eggs in the flowerbed!! Yayyy!! So, should I put straw or shavings in the laying box??

Straw would probably be fine in the nest boxes (though i prefer sand in the boxes so the hens can't scratch out the bedding as easily and break all their eggs). I used straw in the coop for twenty four hours since it was on sale and within that twenty four hours three of my hens got impacted crop despite gravel grit being available to them, ones crop was stretched and she had to wear a crop bra and still has issues from time to time.
I've been wary of straw since, it also molds very easily and doesn't absorb moisture well. So I personally would say shavings but many people have had good results with straw and ultimately it's up to you. I hope I helped a bit! Good luck with your chooks!

 

[nerfworthy]

I use shavings in the coop, straw in the nest boxes.

 

[AquaDuck]

I use short strawed, soft hay. It's more "arrangeable" than straw, and they like to nibble at it while doing their business.