angie2007 Posted February 8, 2008 Share Posted February 8, 2008 Hi there. I just brought home my 2 new australorp bantams today. We have some straw in the nest box but was just wondering if I would be able to use our own waste paper that we usually shred instead???? Also: do the chickens need any food or water inside the eglu??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted February 8, 2008 Share Posted February 8, 2008 I have used home produced shredded paper on and off since I had my girls, and have not seen any ill effects, so it should be OK........ I hope edited to add they don't need any food or drink in the Eglu. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules. Posted February 8, 2008 Share Posted February 8, 2008 I bought a shredder especially. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted February 8, 2008 Share Posted February 8, 2008 I bought a shredder especially. Another must have Omleteer item Jules Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules. Posted February 8, 2008 Share Posted February 8, 2008 Of course! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted February 8, 2008 Share Posted February 8, 2008 Absolutely! It makes lovely bedding and a soft landing for eggs and then goes straight in the compost bin . Mine is cross-shredded which I believe is better - the long strips can occasionally get tangled round their wee ankles . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisnrob Posted February 8, 2008 Share Posted February 8, 2008 We use shredded paper on top of Aubiose in the nest box and it's a great way to make sure that no one rummages through your old bank statements It does sometimes get caught around their legs and we find strands in the main run but that's not a major hassle. They don't need food or drink in the Eglu but will come shooting out when you open the door in a morning to get to their Grub and Glug Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eyren Posted February 9, 2008 Share Posted February 9, 2008 My husband works from home, so I have a steady supply of shredded office documents for the nestbox - and the cats have great fun with the odd strands I drop on the way out to the garden! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules. Posted February 9, 2008 Share Posted February 9, 2008 To prevent chickens getting tangled in the shredded paper just tear A4 sheets in half or smaller before you shred them- easy peasy! ( That was a tip I learned on here- I cannot take the credit for it!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hilda-and-evadne Posted February 9, 2008 Share Posted February 9, 2008 Hi there. I just brought home my 2 new australorp bantams today. We have some straw in the nest box but was just wondering if I would be able to use our own waste paper that we usually shred instead???? I don't know if this is relevant or not to chickens ... About 12 years ago, the boss of small local business gave shredded paper that had been printed on, either with the photocopier or laser printer, to some young friends and/or relatives for bedding for their hamsters or mice or guinea pigs. I seem to remember they all suddenly died. I don't know if it was ever proved that it was the paper but the boss' secretary told me that she thought that it must have been the paper. Anyway, just thought I'd mention it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angie2007 Posted February 9, 2008 Author Share Posted February 9, 2008 Thanx for all the advice. Was expecting the chickens to hide up inside the eglu today but they came straight out into the run. They must be quite happy 'cos after some serious clucking one laid an egg! Promptly eaten by hubby in less than 30mins!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Posted February 9, 2008 Share Posted February 9, 2008 Hi there. I just brought home my 2 new australorp bantams today. We have some straw in the nest box but was just wondering if I would be able to use our own waste paper that we usually shred instead???? ?? Yes you can use yours, but I'd rather you used mine ! I find it fine, but they don't use enough!!! I've used shredded paper since I first got hens four or five years ago. I shred all the confidential stuff I have from work - only a strip shredder not cross cut - and its been fine. I change it when I clean them out and it goes in the compost with the poo and the newspaper I line the tray with. It composts away in no time at all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...