Nesting Pads & Bedding

Nesting pads and bedding keep nest boxes clean, comfy, and easy to care for.

Nesting pads (straw, fiber, or foam styles) cushion eggs to cut cracks and breaks, help keep eggs cleaner, and make quick clean-outs simple—just lift, shake, or replace. Under and around the pads, use absorbent bedding like pine shavings, straw, hemp, or pellets to control moisture and odor; skip cedar because its oils can bother birds. Change pads and bedding when wet or dirty (often weekly), and keep boxes dry and draft-free so hens want to lay there. Tip: add a small handful of fresh shavings on top of the pad after each cleaning, and you’ll spend less time washing eggs.