What is best material for nesting box

[irf1983]

Subject pretty much says it. What is best to use in a nesting box? My hens should start laying in the next month. 6 hens in two interior boxes. suggestions? Thanks!

 

[Malou-La-Croix]

So funny you posted this question as I was just researching the same thing today! I see you are in Florida (as I am) and have learned that some people have great luck using Spanish Moss in the nest box. They dust it with Diatamaceous Earth to get rid of mites. I am going to buy some DE and try it out, since Spanish Moss would be a cheap and easy thing to use and seems like it would be cozy.

 

[Fowl Visions]

I also am in Florida and use straw. A friend of mine that lives nearby uses pine needles. I would say you have a variety of choices it all depends on what you have access to.

 

[Punk-Rock_Chicken]

Florida here too. Spainish moss is the best. They don't kick it out like hay or straw. Just make sure you put it in the oven first, to kill all the mites and chiggars! 200* for about 10 minutes usually does it.

 

[Fowl Visions]

Thanks for the directions. That is good to know

 

[valentinebaby]

My nesting boxes are lined with vinyl, then a piece of cardboard (for easy cleanup - learned that from a fellow BYC'er) and then large pine shavings sprinkled with DE and stirred to prevent the DE from flying up too much. Worked great - just got my 1st egg today (oldest hen is 17 weeks today) and it was laying perfectly next to the fake egg!

 

[gumpsgirl]

I use kiln dried pine shaving with DE stirred in to prevent lice and mites, just like valentinebaby. It's always worked just fine here!

 

[ange]

I just add clean straw, but am thinking about changing since they ahve just started kicking out the hay. Any ideas?