what is the best bedding for nest boxes?

[jennypoo]

I plan to use the deep litter method in my coop (with pine shavings) but I was wondering about the nest boxes.
I'm not sure if I should just use shavings in the nest boxes or if I should put hay/straw in there for the girls.

Also, should I close them off so the teens don't go in there until it's closer to the time when they should be laying?
I'm just wondering if that would prevent any bad habits of sleeping or pooping in the nests?
thanks

 

[pringle]

I dont know if this is true but I have read that straw is hollow and mites and ticks and stuff like to hide in there until any poultry or other animal comes along.I just use ordinary shavings with a 2in board across the bottom of the nestboxes so it doesnt fall out.And I dont close the boxes off I just let the chickens get use to them then when it comesto laying time there ucustomed to the boxes.

 

[jaboo81]

I use the shaving in mine and they love it. You just have to clean it about once a week and add some fresh, but it works great. And I have never had a cracked egg yet!!

 

[cthrash1]

I use pine shavings in my nests... Unless my 8 girls are very messy(which isn't often) I clean them out about 2 times per month. All I have to do is scoop it onto the floor and refill since I also use the shavings on the floor.

 

[Jimmiaandboys]

I'm another fan of pine shavings. They're inexpensive and easy to compost afterwards plus, I use shavings and equine bedding pellets for the floor so it's not something extra to bring home!

 

[jennypoo]

Awesome, I'll stick to the shavings.
I don't really like straw anyway (just have some old bales in the barn) but that mite thing makes sense and seals the deal for me.
Thanks everyone.

 

[Kittymomma]

I use shavings in most of my boxes too, the hens seem to like it and it's easy to remove the occasional poo between cleanings. The 2" or better lip across the opening is an important part though. If you don't add that they will scratch them all out of the nest while trying to make it perfect. I do put orchard grass in a couple of the boxes because a few of my hens seem to prefer that.

 

[PacsMan]

The best is a welcome mat, turned upside down. (At least for roll out nest boxes!)...

And yes, absolutly close up those nest boxes until they are ready to lay. They will poop all day in your nests if you don't.
I have 14 laying hens 'trained' to use the nest boxes for laying, and one new pullet that was born in October. The new one is teaching them all to sleep/poop in the nest box. grr...

 

[Mr.Bojangles]

I use shredded paper in our nest. I use to just throw it in the compost pile, now it still gets their via the nest boxes. Its a never ending supply as we shred everything we get in our mail box.....

 

[cthrash1]

Oh yeah forgot to mention too... The shavings from the coop go to whoever asks for them first around here so they can use them for fertilizing their gardens.