What do you put in the chicken coop besides hay before your will lay eggs?

It's great you're preparing your coop for your hens! While hay is a good bedding material, there are other things you should include in the coop to encourage egg laying. Here's a breakdown:

Essential for Egg Laying:

* Nesting Boxes: Provide at least one nesting box per 4-5 hens. These should be dark, quiet, and comfortable, filled with soft nesting material like straw or pine shavings.

* Feed and Water: Always have fresh, high-quality chicken feed available, along with clean water. A well-balanced diet is crucial for egg production.

* Calcium: Chickens need calcium to produce strong eggshells. Provide oyster shell grit in a separate feeder.

* Light: Hens need at least 14 hours of light per day to lay consistently, especially during the winter months. You may need to supplement natural light with artificial lighting.

Additional Comfort and Safety:

* Dust Bath: Provide a shallow container filled with dust for chickens to dust bathe in. This helps them keep their feathers clean and free of parasites.

* Perches: Roosting perches, ideally made of rough-textured wood, are important for chickens' health and comfort.

* Ventilation: Ensure proper airflow to prevent ammonia buildup, which can be harmful to chickens.

* Cleaning: Regularly clean the coop to prevent the spread of diseases and parasites.

Hay as Bedding:

While hay can be used as bedding, it's not the most ideal option. Hay can get dusty and moldy, which can be harmful to chickens. Consider using:

* Pine Shavings: Absorbent, dust-free, and readily available.

* Straw: Less absorbent than pine shavings, but still a good option.

* Wood Pellets: Dust-free and absorbent, but can be expensive.

Remember, it's important to provide your chickens with a clean, comfortable, and stimulating environment to encourage healthy egg laying.