Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[skwump]

I've been reading all the posts on bedding and was wondering if there's something similar to aubiose, but slightly more resistant to getting wet? I have a cube run which I've covered with the owlet clear tarp, but some rain still gets in and the bedding does get damp at times. Currently I'm using aubiose, but I suspect its a bit too damp for it. Otherwise it seems to work well and the girls seem to love it. (I've also tried bark chip pings, but we set it up during all the snow and, well, turns out dark chippings + melted snow = icky mud!)

 

Any suggestions would be more than welcome!!

[chestnutmare]

I don't think you are meant to use bark with chickens because they can be harmful. I'm using Rapport at the moment which has got wet but then again my usual wood chip would get wet if that was down. The entire run isn't covered and the wind has ways of spreading the rain. The rapport (which is similar to aubiose) seems fine to me though, even when damp. I have some more wood chip in now though so will be using that again. Rapport is wonderfully absorbent so chips are better for me in this weather.

[sadietoo]

Sorry probably not much help but only ever used Aubiose in our run, covered with glass tarp (slightly bigger than omlet version?) and then we have plastic corrugated roofing (cut into strips about 8 to 10 inches high along the bottom edges of the run (attached with cable ties) and between to two hardly any rain gets in, and it soon dries if it does get damp..are you confident the dampness isn't creeping in from underneath? my run floor is brick, but some people I think have used some sort of rubber matting...? No doubt someone with more experience will be along shortly...!

[reneepren]

Pine needles are lovely if you have them. You can hose them down and send poo to the bottom. I love rice hull horse bedding for nest boxes and I love to use it in my wir but it has a roof so not sure it would do well in rain.

 

Renee

[skwump]

Thanks for all the replies. Has anyone used both aubiose and rapport? Maybe rapport is a bit more suitable if the run is going to get a bit wet sometimes?

[chestnutmare]

Thanks for all the replies. Has anyone used both aubiose and rapport? Maybe rapport is a bit more suitable if the run is going to get a bit wet sometimes?

No, I haven't but I believe they are quite similar. Those who can't get their hands on aubiose get rapport and vice versa. Maybe you could buy a bale and try using some of the bale. Then if it doesn't suit at least you have some brilliant nest box material. The eggs stay lovely and clean with it.