Why Nesting Material Matters

16 hours ago
5 min read

When it comes to keeping backyard chickens productive, most keepers focus on feed, coop design and health care. But one detail that often gets overlooked is nesting material. What you put inside your hens' nesting box matters more than you might think! The right nesting material not only keeps eggs clean and safe but also reduces breakage and helps prevent parasites.

Many people don’t realize how important nest box material is, and as a result, many are using the wrong materials. The main purpose of nesting material is to cushion eggs when hens lay them and to make nest boxes easier to keep clean. Since hens squat while laying eggs, the bottoms of the nests should be cushioned to help protect the eggshells and reduce the chance of breakage.

When we started raising chickens, we mistakenly thought that straw was the appropriate material for the nest boxes, not realizing the importance of nesting materials. We soon discovered that our hens would scratch and kick out most of the straw, leaving a hollow space in the center of the box that exposed the bare wood, offering no protection against egg breakage.

Hens appear to take pleasure in rearranging nesting material, but its function is to protect the eggs, not to entertain the hens. Some chicken keepers mistakenly think that nesting material should offer a comfortable seating space for hens, but it is not meant to serve as a cozy retreat for hens to settle in for extended periods.

The Role of Nesting Material

A nesting box isn't just a place for a hen to drop her egg- it's where she feels secure and safe enough to lay. The right nesting material should:

Cushion the egg as it'd laid, preventing cracks or breakage.
Keep eggs cleaner by allowing for easier cleaning and sanitizing
Discourage egg eating by reducing breakage and helping eggs stay protected
Deter mites and lice, since nesting areas are one of the most common spots for infestations. (Mites/lice can harbor inside the hollows of the straw)

Poor quality nesting material- like damp straw, moldy hay- can lead to dirty eggs, broken shells and even pest problems.

Traditional Materials vs. Modern Solutions

Straw and hay were once the standard for nest boxes. While their soft and easy to find, they come with several downsides:

They absorb moisture easily, leading to mildew and bacteria growth.
They harbor mites and lice, especially when warm and dirty.
They need to be replaced often, making them less economical and more time-consuming.
They are easily scratched out by hens, leaving eggs with less protection

Shavings can work temporarily but tend to scatter, compact and lose their cushioning quickly.

That's why more and more chicken owners are switching to plastic nesting pads- a cleaner, safer and more sustainable option.

Why Plastic Nesting Pads Are the Best Option

Plastic nesting pads are designed with the modern backyard flock in mind. Here's why they outperform traditional nesting material:

Easy to Clean and Sanitize
Simply lift out the pad, shake off debris and rinse it down. Plastic doesn't absorb moisture, odors or bacteria- keeping nesting boxes fresh and hygienic.
Improved Egg Cleanliness
The textured design debris to fall through, leaving the egg sitting clean and dry on top. You'll spend less time washing eggs and more time enjoying them!
Better Airflow

Plastic nesting pads promote airflow under and around the hen, reducing dampness and keeping the nest dry.

Durable & Long-Lasting
Unlike straw or shavings that break down quickly, plastic nesting pads last for years. They don't mold, rot or compact- even in humid climates.
Pest Prevention
Since plastic doesn't harbor mites, lice or moisture, it helps maintain a cleaner environment and reduces the risk of parasites settling into the nesting area.

A Simple Trick for Easier Cleanup

One of the biggest benefits of plastic nesting pads is how much easier they make nest box maintenance — especially if an egg breaks.

A simple trick is to pre-cut empty feed bags and place them underneath the plastic nesting pads as disposable liners. If an egg breaks in the nest box, you can simply remove the soiled liner, dispose of it, and replace it with a fresh one.

This makes cleanup faster, keeps the nest box cleaner, and saves time during regular coop maintenance.

Why Nest Box Curtains Help

Another simple addition that can make a big difference is nest box curtains.

Hens naturally seek out dark, private, sheltered spaces when laying eggs. Adding curtains to the front of your nest boxes can help create that sense of privacy and security, encouraging hens to use the nest boxes instead of laying elsewhere.

Nest box curtains can be especially helpful for:

Young pullets learning where to lay
Hens that prefer hidden corners
Reducing distractions and traffic around the nest area
Reduce egg eating (out of sight, out of mind)

When paired with clean plastic nesting pads, curtains can help make the nest box feel even more inviting and natural for your hens.

Keep Nest Boxes Fresh with Chick' N Protect

Even with the best nesting materials, it's important to keep your nest boxes smelling clean and pest-free.

That's where Chick' N Protect comes in.

Spraying Chick' N Protect in and around your nesting boxes helps:

Repel mites naturally
Reduce odor buildup for a fresh, pleasant-smelling coop.
Promote a clean, inviting environment for your hens.

Used as part of your regular coop maintenance routine, it pairs well with plastic nesting pads to help keep the nesting area cleaner and easier to manage.

The Smart Choice for Healthier Hens and Cleaner Eggs

If you’re looking for an upgrade that improves both flock care and egg cleanliness, plastic nesting pads are a smart choice. They make coop maintenance easier, help reduce mess, and provide hens with a cleaner place to lay.

Add in a few practical extras — like feed bag liners for quick cleanup and nest box curtains for privacy — and you can make your nest boxes even more functional and hen-friendly.

Whether you have three hens or thirty, this simple combination makes a big difference- in hygiene, productivity and peace of mind.

Shop the Essentials

Keep your coop clean and your hens happy with the best care solutions from our

Chick' N Wellness Shop

We're excited to share that our small-scale poultry supply store is now open and serving poultry keepers both locally and across Canada. Whether you prefer to shop in person or order online, we offer practical products designed to help create cleaner, healthier nesting areas for your flock.

Available from our store:

Plastic Nesting Pads – for cleaner eggs, improved airflow, and easier nest box maintenance.
Wooden Eggs – ideal for encouraging hens to lay in the proper location and helping train young pullets.
Handmade Nest Box Curtains – designed to provide privacy and create a darker, more inviting nesting environment.
Chick' N Protect - for fresher-smelling, cleaner nesting areas.

We carefully select and offer products that we personally use and recommend because we understand the importance of providing hens with a clean, comfortable place to lay.

Whether you have a small backyard flock or a larger laying flock, these simple additions can help improve egg cleanliness, reduce maintenance, and create a more inviting nesting space for your hens.

A Helpful Tip for Transitioning Hens

Chickens are prey animals and can be cautious of change. Some hens may resist plastic nesting pads at first.

If that happens, don’t be discouraged. Try placing wooden eggs in the nest boxes to give the impression that another hen has already laid there. This often helps signal to your hens that the nest box is a safe and appropriate place to lay.