The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Slimjim on April 11, 2015, 02:16:07 am

Title: Nest box bedding
Post by: Slimjim on April 11, 2015, 02:16:07 am

My hens continually scratch out the wood shavings I replace every two days from their nest boxes. Is there another bedding material that would last longer? Straw perhaps? I should add that there is a 3" lip to the inside edge of the compartments, but that doesn't seem to stop them.

Title: Re: Nest box bedding
Post by: Kimbo on April 11, 2015, 04:58:19 pm

Mine are just the same! They just like scratching it up I suppose. A girl has to get herself comfy after all  ;)
I put newspaper under my shavings now so they cant scratch down to the bare wood.

Title: Re: Nest box bedding
Post by: Clarebelle on April 11, 2015, 05:13:00 pm

I just have straw in mine, they often scratch down to the bare wood but this doesn't seem to bother them

Title: Re: Nest box bedding
Post by: doganjo on April 11, 2015, 08:38:08 pm

I use a council recycling box that's a third full of hay.  They jump in and out quite happily, don't turf any of it out and have a snack while they are waiting to lay lol  :innocent: :roflanim:

Title: Re: Nest box bedding
Post by: Hevxxx99 on April 11, 2015, 09:14:26 pm

I always use hay and they love it.

Be sure it is dust-free, however.

Title: Re: Nest box bedding
Post by: bumpkins on April 11, 2015, 11:35:03 pm

I usually use hemp bedding which seems to stay put ok.

Title: Re: Nest box bedding
Post by: Slimjim on April 12, 2015, 08:25:07 am

Thanks for those - I will certainly try hay. I also wondered about using sheep wool, though I guess they would get quite warm in the undercarriage area; wouldn't want the eggs to be poached on delivery!!

Title: Re: Nest box bedding
Post by: Kimbo on April 12, 2015, 09:28:52 am

I stopped using hay when I was told that it causes aspergillosis ; is that incorrect  ???

Title: Re: Nest box bedding
Post by: Caroline1 on April 12, 2015, 09:36:08 am

I put thin layer of wood shavings to absorb then straw. They normally move it around a bit but it does stay in the brood box.

Title: Re: Nest box bedding
Post by: lord flynn on April 12, 2015, 10:01:19 am

I use chopped straw/miscanthus now for poultry and horses and am pleased with it. makes quite a dense bed which they don't seem to kick out as much.

Title: Re: Nest box bedding
Post by: Stereo on April 12, 2015, 12:27:43 pm

I use Equibed from mole valley which is I think horse bedding. Basically chopped straw but has some oils and stuff like tea tree which red mite don't like apparently. Only about £7 for a big bale which lasts me half a year.