What is the best nesting material for boxes?

[gorillamama]

We've used straw and wood chips. My hens seem to like the straw better

 

[GramaCindy]

I currently have pine shavings but was thinking of using pine needles from our white pine as it looses some needles every fall. Any thoughts?

 

[ChickenMammX4]

We use sweet timothy hay in the nest boxes. I buy the bags packaged for rabbits in the pet dept., it's clean and cut to a perfect size to fit in the boxes.

 

[Figgins Farm]

I shred old newspapers and line the nestboxes with that.  The chickens love playing with the long strands of paper, the newsprint is non toxic soy ink, it's unbelievably cheap and composts very well.  Occasionally the wet bloom from a newly laid egg will make a bit of paper stick to the egg, but it peels off and any ink marks rub off under hot water.

 

[Figgins Farm]

"... the newsprint is non toxic soy ink..."

Is this true for any non glossy newspaper? I would love to be able to recycle my newspaper this way but I've worried the ink would bother my flock.

 

[happyhens132]

no chickens will only eat pellets or bugs but small grass they will go crazy over.

 

[Mikejr05]

Is anyone mixing herbs in their nesting boxes? I read another article that recommended Basil and mint.

 

[Goosegrrl]

I've read a few articles on herbs and chicks...
Try this one.
http://abundantpermaculture.com/how-to-herbify-your-chickens-like-lisa-steele/

 

[Pendragonz]

Try this article for herbs for your chickens. http://101waystosurvive.com/survail_tips/want-healthier-chickens-try-feeding-them-these-herbs/