Hi forum,

 

I've got a problem with a particular hen who chews through the MDF doors I have on my breeding boxes. The MDF is only about 5mm thick and slides rather than being hinged to the box.

 

What safe materials (harder to chew) could be used? I was wondering about masonite or plywood? Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

thanks

 

Shell

Mdf isnt real safe at all............Too many toxins. A lot of people then suggest ply but that also has toxins in the glues used to glue layers together. But its more often than not the only solutions for our nestboxes. I wish i had a solution for you.

My only thought is put a block of soft wood in there from the safe list.......For chewing and put it near where she is chewing. Also millet sprays

Is the door on the nesting box itself...? Is there anyway you can add a clear sheet in front of the door so she cant chew on the wood...

Hi Shell, A couple of my birds also have chewed the nesting box in the aviary, but mostly the hollowed out bit where eggs are supposed to sit.

 

Kaz mentioned in a previous post to put a stick/wood in there to see if that helped. I pulled apart a couple of really old pegs, and put a piece of peg in there, and voila....no more chewing inside the nest box, and very little evidence of peg left!

 

At the rate they were going, I expected them to chew right through the bottom of the nest box.

 

Good luck!

Is the door on the nesting box itself...? Is there anyway you can add a clear sheet in front of the door so she cant chew on the wood...

 

No the door just slides into place. I think I'll try the plywood and the suggestion of a peg helps.

The hen is bored and needs something to chew. Better a piece of wood, a peg, a millet spray than nibbling the feathers or down off her chicks Even some of the small budgie toys could be put in there for her to play with if enough room.