HappyHen Posted September 25, 2006 Share Posted September 25, 2006 I've had my girls 10 days now and have been using barley straw in the nestbox. They just kick it out though! It drops into the poo tray or blocks up the door. Now one of them has started laying and the egg is just sitting on plastic! Has anyone else experienced this? Shall I continue to use the straw or just give up? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 25, 2006 Share Posted September 25, 2006 they'll come to no harm with just the plastic. that's what I do just now on account of running out of shredded paper... others do the same and I don't think the chickens actually give a "monkeys" the only possible problem is with chickens who like to lay their eggs from a height!! - you might get the odd cracked one - but mostly they'll be fine! Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley H Posted September 25, 2006 Share Posted September 25, 2006 I use shredded paper - and it works great - but lots of people have said they use nothing. Try shredded paper though - mine like it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ali-s Posted September 25, 2006 Share Posted September 25, 2006 I line the nestbox with a couple of sheets of kitchen roll. It is easy to scoop up the whole lot if it pooped on during the night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyHen Posted September 25, 2006 Author Share Posted September 25, 2006 Thanks Ali - good idea. They do seem to poop in the box. I let them off though as one of my girlies has now layed 3 eggs! Was funny last night having to share 3 poached eggs between 4 people as "Ooops, word censored!"ody was prepared to wait for the 4th egg! They were yummy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lera Posted September 25, 2006 Share Posted September 25, 2006 I now put a folded sheet of newspaper in the box and change it daily to remove nocturnal doings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paola Posted September 25, 2006 Share Posted September 25, 2006 Thanks Ali - good idea. They do seem to poop in the box. I let them off though as one of my girlies has now layed 3 eggs! Was funny last night having to share 3 poached eggs between 4 people as "Ooops, word censored!"ody was prepared to wait for the 4th egg! They were yummy. How funny I love mine poached also Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted September 25, 2006 Share Posted September 25, 2006 me too that way you can really taste the egg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyHen Posted September 25, 2006 Author Share Posted September 25, 2006 UPDATE - the nest box might be empty of straw but I've found another egg! It's my first 2 egg day!! And guess what.....it was really warm aawwwwwwwww I think it's the Bluebelle and the Sussex Star who are laying as their combs have grown and become redder. Extra corn treat tonight I think! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geb0205 Posted September 25, 2006 Share Posted September 25, 2006 Aww bless them, clever little girlies!! I use wood shavings in my Ark (get them for the horse so no problems!) and my girlies like them. I put a thick bed of them down, and they shift them to where they like them. A nice soft landing for eggs too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bad eggs Posted September 26, 2006 Share Posted September 26, 2006 I used to put straw in the nestbox and Mrs Peel was happy to lay her eggs on it but as soon as Steed started laying she would throw out all the straw into the run and sit on the plastic. I have now given up putting straw in and it doesn't seem to bother the girls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 26, 2006 Share Posted September 26, 2006 I put shredded paper in both the poo tray and nest box. I only put it in the nest box, because Darling seems to prefer laying from a height, so the paper breaks the fall, and the eggs don't get smashed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
One Man Banned Posted September 26, 2006 Share Posted September 26, 2006 I only use shredded paper (the nice soft stuff that comes from cross cut shredders!) and the girls are very happy with that. And it can all go in the compost bin when they are done with it. There you go identity fraudsters, try getting my details after my chickens have seen it - no better method! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted September 26, 2006 Share Posted September 26, 2006 I use Aubiose in the nest box and the poo tray - clean, dry, warm and not smelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted September 26, 2006 Share Posted September 26, 2006 I only use shredded paper (the nice soft stuff that comes from cross cut shredders!) and the girls are very happy with that. And it can all go in the compost bin when they are done with it. There you go identity fraudsters, try getting my details after my chickens have seen it - no better method! I am with you there Andrew - and if any id fraudster gets my details from pooped on shredded paper then they deserve it!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
