threw out rotten egg nest -- what do you line your nests with?

[chickenannie]

One egg exploded in the broody nest and covered the eggs with rotten goo. Yuck! I took her off the nest and cleaned it out. Actually there were 8 rotten eggs and 2 with developed chicks inside. I felt so bad, but I don't have candling equipment and I couldn't tell if any were ok (they looked terrible on the outside). But this is in my nice new wooden 4-nest box. I can't get the goop off the wooden flooring despite scraping, washing, etc. It is hardened on there. What do you all line your nests with to keep this from happening?

 

[Poison Ivy]

I use a small piece of carpet and lay hay on the top of it. Then just change out the hay once in awhile.

 

[chickenannie]

That's a good idea.

 

[Wildsky]

And get a flashlight or spotlight or something.....

 

[jimnjay]

The mini maglite, flashlight works great as a candler. They are not all that expensive and available at lowes, walmart, etc. It is well worth the money to prevent those exploding eggs.

 

[lockedhearts]

HUbby and I are just working on nest boxes now. BUt we have decided to use the 12 x 12 sticky floor tiles. He will also make them so you can pull the bottom out and clean. BUt the tiles should make the job easier. I use shavings in my coop and my temporary nests now. Since I have horses they are readily available and seem to work well.

 

[Scrambled Egg]

Mine are full of pine shavings

 

[Marlinchaser]

Quote:
So are mine, have you been taking my pine shavings??

 

[Scrambled Egg]

I didn't think you would miss them, lol!!!

...you know, help a fellow chicken lover out kinda thing!! Share the shavings!!

 

[hdchic]

I use plain straw....they work it around in the box and when they are done it looks like a neat little bowl! lol Its easy to just pick up the 'bowl' and toss it in the garden. There are so many things to use, as long as your girls like it!