What do you use?

[the4ladies]

Have a couple of questions.

Just wondering what people use in their nest boxes? On the ground on their runs? In the area below the perches?

We need to go and do a shop of bits before our hens arrive (possibly next weekend)? I think we need everything - feed, bedding, etc etc.

Any suggestions of bits and piece would be great - am sure we'll forget something.

Thanks

[pdblake]

I have a bit of hay in the nest boxes, but only cos' I had some handy. Once that runs out it'll be shavings like the rest of the coop.

The hens usually shove it aside and lay straight on bare wood anyway.

Under the perches I put newspaper (think big budgies), makes it much easier to clean out, and we get a paper every day anyway.

My run is wire floored and moveable so I don't put anything down. They just scratch straight through the wire.

[the4ladies]

Thanks for that!

A wired floor run sounds good. It must make it more fox proof?? I guess it is ok under the girls feet?

[chuckles]

Hi, We used shavings on both floore of house and nestboxes. We didn't go for hay or straw as we were told they just a breeding ground for mites (as straw is essentially hollow). The girls freeranged so we never actually had a run. Hope that helps.
regards
debbie

[pdblake]

The wire was given to us by a neighbour. It's cut offs from some heavy duty security fencing, costs a flippin' fortune The whole run is made out of it and I doubt a fox would get through it.

[Suechooks]

Hemcore or Easibed in nest boxes and on the hut floor. I used to use shavings but they take ages to break down on the compost heap and I was running out of space so decided to go for those - they are both horse bedding so are dust extracted (very important with chooks). You can just poo pick each morning and waste less of the bedding then. I have pallet tops in the covered area of my run which I've found stops it getting all muddy and they can be lifted to clean up every few weeks. I also put wood chippings (local tree surgeon) on top of the pallets.
In cold weather I put straw down in the hut and run so they've got something to help keep warm (I have several ex-batts who need nurturing!)
You might want to get Apple Cider Vinegar to go in their water (only in a plastic container as it affects galvanised ones); Poultry Spice as a vitamin supplement when they're under the weather or moulting; Garlic powder supposed to discourage mites etc and good for their digestion.
If you use wire on the run floor I'd put a good layer of chippings or something down in case they catch their claws. I was given several lengths of old chain link fencing which I've used by lifting the turf in the run and laying the wire down then replacing the turf on top to regrow.
Hope thats some help

[Nicos]

Mine free range- but inside their coop( a pigsty) I use dust free shavings. Also in the nesting boxes.
When they are sitting on eggs I add a bit of straw

I don't use hay as it often contains mites- I had an awful infestation with my bunnies- so unless it's treated ( expensive stuff from pet shops) I'd steer away

Exciting isn't it???

[janeyo]

I use chopped straw and shavings in the coop and nest boxes.
Started to use shredded paper, but if I do that they lay under the perches instead. No idea why! But if I use shredded paper that is also chopped (ie from the other machine we have that chops it finer) then they lay in the nest boxes again... chickens are weird...

[HayleyB]

Shavings on the floor, newspaper under the perches, and shavings in the nest boxes. I add louse powder to the shavings (both floor and nests) that way they de-louse themselves when they dig in to lay or dust bath on the floor.

[Emmylou]

Bark chippings in the run is good to use. Shredded paper in nestboxes. Shavings under perches.......but after reading this thread I may try newspaper!

[sheena]

I got shavings in the house and nesting area, but thats great idea you got there Hayley!

[pdblake]

Mine free range- but inside their coop( a pigsty)

Dare I ask what's in the chicken run?

[pdblake]

Bark chippings in the run is good to use. Shredded paper in nestboxes. Shavings under perches.......but after reading this thread I may try newspaper!

Don't take my word for it, I've only had ckickens for a week

I just figure, the sleep on the perch, not the floor, so what does it really matter what's on the floor, so long as there's something comfy in the nest box.

And, I've checked. They are sleeping on the perch, not in the nest boxes

[Flummery]

I use Easibed in the house and next box and softwood chippings (B&Q) in the run.

[Lemon]

Got easibed for nestbox & hen house floor but hubb thinks it composts slowly - what do others think? So we now use straw. We sometimes use home shredded paper - junk mail, envelopes and stuff... credit card applications.... insurance quotes..

Nothing on run floor as we've moved them on to a rough patch of earth & pesky weeds. Spent winter on patio, last summer on grass - moving every 3 days or so.