Smart Feeder - Light sensor values

[markymarque]

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

[eve]

i use shavings. people on her have said they use shedded paper. wouldnt block slats off as need venilation.

[The Dogmother]

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

[Egluntyne]

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.

[Redwing]

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

[markymarque]

Thanks

 

Ive now put two seed trays under the slats to catch the bits, so i'll try the staw again.

[Cinnamon]

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.

[markymarque]

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?

[The Dogmother]

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.

[Plum]

Covered mine with a bit of car mat. stops the bedding falling through and is washable.

[Henergy]

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.

[The Dogmother]

Covered mine with a bit of car mat. stops the bedding falling through and is washable.

 

That's a brilliant idea - rubber car mats!

[beach chick]

AND the little darlings cant scrat it up like they do with newspaper...

[Plum]

or eat it