Solitary chicken - need advice

[Snowy]

Does anyone else have a problem keeping bedding in the cube nest box?

I've tried newspaper on the bottom, covered with aubiose (the paper gets scratched up and the aubiose ends up falling through the hole)

Shredded paper goes through the hole, as does straw.

 

I'm going to get some duck tape to cover it, but I'd really like a 'nest box hole' shaped plug that I can whip out when cleaning and plonk back in again after.

 

Anybody with me before I email Omlet??

[The Dogmother]

Someone mentioned this a while back Snowy, and their lovely OH had made a wooden 'plug' for the hole. Email James and see what he says.

[Scottie]

I've never put anything in the nest box of the cube - I didn't in the eglu either. Our hens seem quite happy just to lay their eggs on the bare bit.

 

Sheila

[Snowy]

I've never put anything in the nest box of the cube - I didn't in the eglu either. Our hens seem quite happy just to lay their eggs on the bare bit.

 

Sheila

 

Knowing mine they would trample their eggs through the hole!

I know nothing is needed in there - but it's habit now, and I do think they look contented snuggled down in a nice cosy bed ( ) Anthropomorphism? Me? Never!

[Cinnamon]

I just cover it with some really thick grey tape I have.

It works a treat, & peels off easily for cleaning out time,when the hole is essential

[WitchHazel]

I use grey tape also, in fact I think Sarah suggetsed it to me.It works really well.

 

I do slice a few "ventilation" slits in it (using a stanley knife), but I'm not sure it maskes any difference really.

[Olly]

because two of mine sleep in the nestbox, I line it with a bit of flexible plastic (someone else used a lino offcut) to make it easier to clean. Problem solved! Admittedly there's no 'ventilation' but that doesn't seem to be a problem.

[Jules.]

My girls are fine with 2 unfolded sheets of newspaper lining the NB & shredded paper on top of it. They don't destroy it at all. Snowy, you have naughty hens scratching up the newspaper.

[Egluntyne]

I use parcel tape. Works a treat.

[Snowy]

Hm, haven't got any wide tape at the moment, but a slice of lino might be found in the shed That would work.

 

They are very naughty hens Jules - I think it is one in particular, Roley Mo, the greedy guts of the flock. A couple of the older girls have been laying softies and Mo lies in wait for them to lay then jumps in and wolfs the eggs! Then she scratches all the nest material about to get at the last s"Ooops, word censored!"s (she even eats the eggy shredded paper! ). Hence I would like to put in some aubiose instead to mop up the egg, and she doesn't seem to eat that (just scratches it all out )

[Karen & co.]

I hadn't thought of using lino I'm going to give that a go, as the bedding falls down the gap, but I prefer to use it to make cleaning the nest box easier when the little darlings have pooped in there

 

Karen x

[Snowy]

Eureka! Ikea to the rescue again! Just realised I have some of that clear plastic stuff that you line drawers and shelves with. It will be perfect in the bottom of the nest box

 

If it stops raining tomorrow I might go out and try it

[The Dogmother]

Don't bank on that rain stopping Hon

[Snowy]

Don't bank on that rain stopping Hon

If you can't beat it, enjoy it - I'll put on me wellies and stetson and get the kiddiwinks helping It'll be as much fun as bathtime!

[bellekatz]

I have naughty chooks as well Snowy that rip up the newspaper in the nest box. Tried taping the hole up but they scratched the ends of those up as well and then proceeded to pull it up! I will see if we have any leftovers in the garage......................

[keyhole kate]

I dont have any problem with mine but

I have thought of another option that could work

 

I have some plastic sheet things like a mat with holes/circles

cut out which I have in my kitchen cupboard that glasses sit on

like a kind of plastic drip tray/mat a smaller home version of

what pubs use to allow glasses to dry when they come out of

the glass washer.

 

The only thing is I have had them so long I cannot remember

where I bought them probably wilkinsons hope I have explained

this clearly enough Sorry if everyone is non plussed

mumble's to herself

[Snowy]

I do know what you mean Kate

But problem is solved for now! Ikea do a roll of flexible plastic to line shelves and drawers with - stops things sliding about. I bought some the other week to line my wire basket shelves. It is now under a cosy layer of aubiose in the nest box. I stood and watched naughty Mo go in to lay - she scratched and scratched but it didn't shift so I am quietly confident at the moment! Plus it can easily be lifted and washed at mucking out time.

[alison]

Snowy- Brilliant!

 

You have just triggered my memory and I have now found the same stuff at the back of my cupboard. A quick wash and in the nesting box. I have been using newspaper fairly successfully, but this will be even better.

 

Thank you

[Snowy]

You are welcome!

And mine is still doing it's job very well!

[Bondinho]

I just roll a bit of newspaper up into a long roll and then stuff it in the hole - that way they can't scratch it up and it's very easy to just pull out when you want to change the aubiouse/hemcore.

[Snowy]

I just roll a bit of newspaper up into a long roll and then stuff it in the hole - that way they can't scratch it up and it's very easy to just pull out when you want to change the aubiouse/hemcore.

Another good idea! (although we don't get a regular newspaper so could be a problem! ) I like it though

[The Dogmother]

You can have my freebie papers Snowy - I get 3 a week

[jackiepoppies]

I have used an off cut of flexible plastic with tiny holes , cut to size of nest box ,that you buy at garden centres to make fly screens!

It works well is easy to clean and lets plenty of air in with nothing falling out! I use a layer of wood shavings topped op with straw for comfort.I posted this ages ago when you asked on another thread Snowy, I just didn't think to come here

 

Jackiex

[dancing cloud]

I currently fold a sheet of newspaper and cover the hole before putting the bedding on top. So far, none of my little monsters has scratched it up - sshh, don't give them ideas