[BML]

I have my first chickens for many years and I note that the little XXXXX are kicking the straw out of their nesting boxes.  Can it be stopped, am I using the wrong straw in Barley?
Any comments will be gladly received.

[ANHBUC]

Not sure if the straw is a good thing or not.  I use sawdust and to stop them kicking it out of the nestbox we put a 3 1/2 inch piece of wood at the front which works a treat.  The coop came with one that was about 2 inches high which was too low.

[hillfooter]

You can use straw but I'd recommend softwood shavings in a nestbox every time.

Shavings are naturally antiseptic and sterile, far more absorbant than straw and don't harbour mites if changed regularly.
HF

[BML]

Many thanks for that which not only answered my question but also raised a question I need to consider such as Mites.

[hillfooter]

Many thanks for that which not only answered my question but also raised a question I need to consider such as Mites.

If your straw is old it will likely have straw mites (note not Red Mite which are a serious problem for poultry keepers) which are very small and itchy and can cause an alergic reaction in people.
HF

[alisonwo]

Use dust free shavings and squirt some diatom in and around the box, this will deal with the mites.

[BML]

MANY THANKS.