The Best Material for Lining a Nest Box

[VetsJetsnGuns]

My chickens sometimes use the next boxes. I put linoleum tile for the floors, and was lining them with paper from my shredder (best use of junk mail ever) but I think they ate it. As satisifying as it is to see junk mail turned to chicken poop, I figure this is not the best route to go on this.

SO, What do you use to line your nest boxes? Is there a special technique to it? (ie, how deep, stuff it full and let the chickens do what they like, etc.) Cheap and easy is important.

(I'm sure somethread like this is out there, but I did honestly spend some time looking for it)

 

[VetsJetsnGuns]

I had to can my experiment. The bale of staw was $5 and it was huge; in order to store as much as possible I stuffed my 4 nest boxes with it. I'm not complaining; 1st day with the new straw, 1st day ever of NO floor eggs, and all eggs were VERY clean. I think I'm gonna stick with straw.

 

[jab91864]

I prefer pine shavings for my nest boxes. Then when I clean out I compost them for my garden....

Julie

 

[opihiman911]

I used dried grass clippings. After mowing the lawn I rake up a bucket full and spread it out and let it dry for a couple days before I put it in their box. I mow the lawn every other week so the nest boxes get cleaned and refilled at that time. The grass that been drying for the week goes into the nest box and replaced with fresh clipping to dry. I just throw the grass in there so it is probally 6-8" deep and the girls go in there an tramp it down in to a nice rounded nests. Just make sure the grass is completely brown and dry.
Cheap, easy and always available.

Cory

 

[dangerouschicken]

Agreed. Pine shavings ROCK!

 

[TaLani]

Pine shavings, not cedar since they are extremely dangerous to chickens. You can buy bags of the pine shavings at Wmart, TSC, etc pretty cheap. TSC's link: http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp...10551_10001_48767_-1______?rFlag=true&cFlag=1

 

[lleighmay]

Pine shavings are what I use. Granted, I've not tried anything else but these seem to work for my girls so I'm not going to tinker. I actually have thought about using the shredded paper mixed in with shavings for the floor (I work at a place that shreds lots of stuff) but now am not so sure since you think they eat them.....

 

[lovemychix]

I use straw or pine shavings.

 

[VetsJetsnGuns]

we seem to have a consensus.

I have a 2x4 for a front lip on my nest boxes; how deep should I go with the pine shavings?

 

[sandypaws]

.. straw or bermuda grass hay fallings (off the bales) from my horses feed...