what do you put in your nest box?

[Mattemma]

I use mostly straw,but put shaving in for those hens who perch on the side of the nest box(egg crates). Easier to clean out the poo in the am.

 

[AngelzFyre]

Quote:
That would be the last time I used straw too! Yikes! I had a big mouse problem in my coop, so I had to hardware cloth everything and add a floor to the chicken tractor. No mouse can penetrate my coop!

I have everything on coop reinforced with hardware cloth but they come in when the coop is open in the daytime and the chickens are out in their run

. The cats are hanging around more out there now so I've not thankfully seen any signs of them lately.

 

[MarinMama]

so i have these super soft sweatpants that i wore when i was pregnant and i was wondering if i could shred the pants up in small strips and use that for the nest boxes....it seems like it would be comfy for the chicks...

 

[AngelzFyre]

It would be soft, yes..but I'd worry about how clean it would stay and absorbing properties. The shavings and straw absorb the wet poo and such and keep it mostly off the eggs but I don't think the material would do the same and you'd have to wash it often to keep it clean and smelling fresh.

 

[Pharm Girl]

I went to a chicken conference where someone said they use straw and cover it with the lint from the dryer. Never tried it, I was afraid they might try to eat it. I still might give it a go one of these days. The eggs might smell nicer.

 

[cmom]

I use spanish moss as I have a lot on my trees and easy to get to.

 

[Nmarine1057]

I use straw

 

[MarinMama]

Quote:
Wow, the lint idea sounds great since we have an abundance of that...

 

[sammyh312]

Pine shavings in the bottom with hay nested-up on top of that. No problems so far

 

[kuntrygirl]

I use hay but will be switching to sand.