AlisonH Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 I have always used shredded paper in the nest area in our Eglu and it always seems to be effective but the last few days my chooks seem to have been eating it and there seems a considerable amount missing. How do I stop them, is it something I should be worrying about and why have they started to do it? Any ideas?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 I've used shredded paper right from the start. My hens didn't like any other form of nesting material. Has anyone laid a shell less egg lately? I suppose you could try spraying it with something like anti peck spray but I'm not sure if this will taint their eggs. Will be interested in replies as wouldn't like the same problem Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chick wiggle Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 They may be eating it, but have you checked for other unwanted little visitors that may be nabbing the paper for their own nests? Mice and rats i think would find shredded paper irresistable Sorry, just a thought Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surfer_chicken Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 My chickens eat shredded paper and sawdust. They go mad for it as soon as I clear out the eglu. Could you use straw in the nestbox? Even my chickens don't eat they (though they are trying to eat the wood chip we put in the run yesterday ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueandwhite Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 My chickens will eat paper given the chance. When I'm cleaning out nest box and poo picking off patio/garden I use kitchen role and they try and steal it out of my hands. Also Phoebe discovered a label left on the underside of UPVC back door (brilliant eyesight I have to say) and was happily stripping it off and eating it until I intervened. I wouldn't use straw/hay in next box as it can be irritating. Not sure you can stop them eating paper once they have started ... they are very determined! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennym Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 Could you use straw in the nestbox? Hay is a definite no-no for bedding - too much organic matter left in it, it rots and grows mould/spores I use straw, it's cheap, stays clean and stays in place. I change it once a week. They've certainly never tried to eat it, and I haven't noticed any signs of irritation - blueandwhite what do you mean by that? Do you mean irritating to their skin? I've not heard of that before - please let me know if you know something I don't, or if there's something I should be checking! Their undersides and legs seem fine and they're well-feathered. They only go in there to lay anyway so it's only a few minutes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueandwhite Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 Ebay (White Leghorn) lost some of her feathers (chest/underneath) when I used straw in nestbox. It could just be that she was irritated by it. I don't put anything in now and they both happily lay in there. Sorry didn't mean to alarm you! Should add that they were also sleeping in the nestbox at that stage (and still do if I'm not careful!) so I don't suppose a few minutes just to lay will hurt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squiffs Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 I use straw in my nestbox, and the little blighters do eat it. They also eat the shower curtains I drape over the run to keep them dry. No skin off my nose, I can't afford to buy a new shower curtain every time one of the little madams gets a bit peckish so they'll have to make do with a leaky run! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 I wouldn't use straw or paper - Aubiose is fine and it gets used in the poo trays and run as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlisonH Posted November 7, 2011 Author Share Posted November 7, 2011 Thanks for all your help - I use Hemcore in the base of the eglu and in the run so maybe I should just use it in the nest area too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedusA Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 I'm an Aubiose fan too. It's similar to Hemcore, just more finely shredded that's all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
