Solitary chicken - need advice

[nin-chicken]

I haven't had my four girls long and have been using easichick bedding in the nest box which ive been really happy with. But now winter is just round the corner I'd like to give them something a bit cosier! I'm thinking about chopped straw, or possibly something called 'bliss' which a friend told me about.

Any advice gratefully received!

[Blackrocksrock]

I live in the "frozen north"" - north east scotland and I use only newspaper to line the nestbox and then shredded paper in it - its easy to keep clean, its free,easy to get rid of in the compost bin and it keeps them warm enough even in our coldest temperatures.

[Eggasperated]

I'm in Scotland as well, but nowhere near as far north as Blackrock, and only ever use Rapport in my houses. I believe straw is not recommended as it can harbour mites and other nasties.

[doctors girls]

never mind winter bedding i wish mine would go to bed i have 5 girls and only my oldest one (martha) goes to bed on a night the other 4 seem to like sleeping outdoors for a solid week i went out at about 11.30pm put them all in the coop and shut the door and then opened it at about 6.00am so they would get the idea of it but i have just give up and let them get on with it

 

[nin-chicken]

Thanks for the replies. Shredded paper is a good idea, I haven't heard of the other one mentioned but will look it up. I know normal straw isn't recommended but chopped straw is apparently fine.

Thanks again xx

[libby22]

Hi

 

The warmest thing I have come across is Flaxcore - you can get it in the Omlet shop. It goes a long way and is really cosy. When the girls get up in the morning and I clean the nest boxes, the flaxcore is still holding the heat from where they slept I am using easi-chick at the moment and it is really good quality but think I need to get some flaxcore for the winter months.