[Slimjim]

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.

[Kimbo]

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.

[Clarebelle]

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

[doganjo]

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 

[Hevxxx99]

I always use hay and they love it.

Be sure it is dust-free, however.

[bumpkins]

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

[Slimjim]

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!!

[Kimbo]

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

[Caroline1]

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.

[lord flynn]

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.

[Stereo]

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.