Will mites get in the nesting box if i use Hay!!!

[JacksHomestead]

How do i keep bugs out of the nesting box , some have said that mites like hay and straw is this true??? Is this a good nesting material to use???
Thanks

 

[SilkieNation]

How do i keep bugs out of the nesting box , some have said that mites like hay and straw is this true??? Is this a good nesting material to use???
Thanks

I think straw is. My silkies sleep on straw, I use it in the coop for certain areas, they make nests in it here and there, and lay their eggs. Hay is another story as they may be tempted to eat it, which could result in an impacted crop. Nevertheless, the key is to keep your coop clean, replace the straw with fresh fairly frequently and make a habit of inspecting your birds for parasites and other problems. I think straw is a great nesting material. I've used it for ten years. My birds got lice one winter when I was ill and didn't clean the coop as frequently as I should have, but I dealt with it, they went away, and that was that.

 

[Teila]

Howdy JacksHomestead

I have used straw in my nest boxes for over two years.

I experienced a mite infestation following the visit of a wild Bush Turkey but other than that one episode I have never had an issue with mites.

The nests and birds are regularly dusted with mite powder, they have access to a number of dust baths and the coop is stripped and thoroughly cleaned once a month followed by a spray over with diluted Neem Oil.

 

[JacksHomestead]

So if i keep it clean and maybe use DE ill be fine??!!!?!!??!