markymarque Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 After having my chickens (still no eggs !) for a couple of months now, i have used straw in the nesting boxes, Im assuming they nibble and chew on this as its gone down then there are little pieces that fall through the small slats at the bottom then it gets blown onto the grass and making a mess, Can i use shredded office paper. Or even block the slats off? Thanks Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eve Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 i use shavings. people on her have said they use shedded paper. wouldnt block slats off as need venilation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 (edited) Shredded paper isn't a good idea as they can eat it and it will bung up their crop. A lot of us use Aubiose which is a shredded hemp bedding - it absorbs any muck and keeps it fresh. When you refer to slats in the nesting box, do you have a cube? Edited to correct atrocious spelling Edited March 25, 2011 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 I wouldn't use straw, it can cause impacted crop. Why not try Aubiose. It is super for both the nest box and the run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 You can cover the slats in the nest box, newspaper lining it before the bedding is added is good - if they pull the paper out and shread it (many do!) then a bit of lino/tablemat/flexible chopping board/cardboard will do the job Wood shavings and Aubiose make good nesting materials Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markymarque Posted March 25, 2011 Author Share Posted March 25, 2011 Thanks Ive now put two seed trays under the slats to catch the bits, so i'll try the staw again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 Straw isn't great as its hollow & can harbour mites. It also gets very soogy - you really can't go far wrong using Aubiose or an equivalent. Actually,I am having trouble working out what nest box slats are Do you mean the long narrow drainage slot? If so you can just roll up a bit of newspaper & bung it in,to stop stuff dropping through. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markymarque Posted March 25, 2011 Author Share Posted March 25, 2011 ok ive changed my mind again i'll try and get some Aubiose, i only live a few yards from regency poulty but there not open on saturdays, the slats that i call them are the slats/slots for ventalation/drainage, willl Aubiose fall down these? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 I think markymarque might have wooden housing Cinnamon... doesn't sound like an Omlet rig to me Ideally nest boxes should be snug and draft free, so slats sound an odd idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 Covered mine with a bit of car mat. stops the bedding falling through and is washable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henergy Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 ok ive changed my mind again i'll try and get some Aubiose, i only live a few yards from regency poulty but there not open on saturdays, the slats that i call them are the slats/slots for ventalation/drainage, willl Aubiose fall down these? I have these slats too in my wooden coop. I use Auboise though & yes it does fall through but it is good stuff & absords lits & goes straight in my compost bin. I like your seed tray idea. Would still allow ventilation but allow you to catch the bits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 Covered mine with a bit of car mat. stops the bedding falling through and is washable. That's a brilliant idea - rubber car mats! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beach chick Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 AND the little darlings cant scrat it up like they do with newspaper... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 or eat it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
