Rhesus Posted September 29, 2009 Share Posted September 29, 2009 We're currently using woodshavings for the nest box, but is this the best. I'm cautious about introducing lice or red mite into the cube which I understand could live in the hollows of the straw stalks? Also, should I be using mite powder (and if so what brand) now as a prevention or only as a treatment. No problems yet and a strict cleaning regime every Saturday morning, full scrub and clean. Doris Hilda Marjorie Elsie Grace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coco Posted September 29, 2009 Share Posted September 29, 2009 I use shavings on the floor of the house and a small amount of straw in the nest box [or next to it which is where the chooks have decided they are going to lay]. I put red mite poder in the shavings and liberally sprinke thier perch with it regularly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lozboz Posted September 29, 2009 Share Posted September 29, 2009 I use sawdust in their nesting box and bedding area, (dust extracted). I did try straw at one point and thats when they got lice!!! Dont know if thats a coincidence but changed straight back to sawdust and not had any problems since. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted September 29, 2009 Share Posted September 29, 2009 Shavings are good as is something like Aubiose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 29, 2009 Share Posted September 29, 2009 Hay is not a good idea as it can harbour parasites and if the hen eats it, it can cause impacted crop. Likewise straw. also they get a bit claggy and cold and are not absorbent. Aubiose is excellent for the nestbox and the run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fluffyknickers Posted September 30, 2009 Share Posted September 30, 2009 I use aubiose in the nest box and run and love it. I know some people use shredded paper (make sure not dusty) in the nest box. michelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted September 30, 2009 Share Posted September 30, 2009 I stopped using shredded paper as it makes the garden look really messy when it gets kicked/blown out of the nestbox . Horse bedding is much less noticeable . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dippy bird Posted September 30, 2009 Share Posted September 30, 2009 I use shavings on the floor of the coop and straw in the nesting box - I was advised to do this by the lady at Merrydale poultry.Am I doing the wrong thing? Should I not use straw? I change it every couple of days and always put red mite powder down in the coop and nesting box.Now I'm worried.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajayb Posted September 30, 2009 Share Posted September 30, 2009 I use hemcore (hemp-based product like wood shavings which is dust -extracted and is treated with citronella to deter bugs) throughout our eglu with a small amount of straw in the nest box (which I change daily). Our chooks sometimes lay in our woodstore (where we keep the straw) if the nest box is 'busy' so they definitely like it! I also use Poultry Shield to clean the eglu thoroughly once a week and put some Stalosan powder over everything every few days. I would avoid hay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 I use wood shavings in the nest boxes and just newspaper on the floor which is changed every other day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodcat Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 I use shavings on the floor of the coop and straw in the nesting box - I was advised to do this by the lady at Merrydale poultry.Am I doing the wrong thing? Should I not use straw? I change it every couple of days and always put red mite powder down in the coop and nesting box.Now I'm worried.. I wouldn't worry i use straw in the nesting boxes and always have. My lot like to build proper nests and if i havn't got any they won't lay in them at all. provided you don't currently have mites you'll be fine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purplefowler Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 I use either wood shavings or shredded paper. It depends on how many bills we have had They seem to enjoy making nests in the paper and it is a good security measure (I would like to see someone steal my identity!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gelbel Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 As my girls insist on sleeping in the nest box, I line with newspaper and use shreaded paper on top (with a nice sprinkle of Diatom). Cheap and cheerful as I have to change it out everyday. When it starts getting dark at a time that severe bokking will not cause offence to my neighbours (or more to the point I won't feel too bad about the girls' noisy complaints ) they will find a rugby ball in the nest box - that'll break the habit! I use Megazorb in the actual coop and with the bark in the run - that will go in the nest box when I have cured the sleeping habit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brambles Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 I'm currently trialling flax, recommended by Sue at Wernlas. It just went in today, so we'll see what the girls think tomorrow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moo92 Posted March 25, 2021 Share Posted March 25, 2021 On 9/29/2009 at 9:50 PM, lozboz said: I use sawdust in their nesting box and bedding area, (dust extracted). I did try straw at one point and thats when they got lice!!! Dont know if thats a coincidence but changed straight back to sawdust and not had any problems since. Same! My girls only got lice when I began to use straw and it has been such a pain. I'm going to use shavings and shredded paper from now on so I hope this will sort it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
