Sorry if this has already been posted, but I couldn't see it anywhere.

 

I was just wondering when and how often I should be cleaning out the nesting box?

 

Should it be cleaned out if there aren't any eggs laid (the pair have been mating, the hen is spending a lot of time in the box and the cock has started going into the box as well).

 

Should it be cleaned out during the egg laying phase? Should it be cleaned out when the eggs hatch?

 

If so, is there an appropriate time in the phase when this should be done and how often should it be done and what should I be using to clean it out with?

I think it is best to leave them alone during egg laying. I only clean my when chicks start making a mess. More droppings in there than nesting material. More if the hen is a messy hen.

I think it is best to leave them alone during egg laying. I only clean my when chicks start making a mess. More droppings in there than nesting material. More if the hen is a messy hen.

 

Thanks splat. That's what I thought, but it never hurts to check.

 

I have a nesting box with a concave - should I be introducing some nesting material (i.e. sawdust etc.) as well, or is it fine with just the concave?

Most hens throw out anything you add at this stage. the only nesting materials mine dont throw out is finer stuff, like flakey bran or quick cook dry porridge oats. You add add some nesting materials as chicks arrive as the hens are less inclined to throw it out when busy with chicks.

A little off topic but i have noticed that sometime the poop can build up on there feet i always try and clean it off by hand but is there a more easy way?

A little off topic but i have noticed that sometime the poop can build up on there feet i always try and clean it off by hand but is there a more easy way?

 

 

Read this http://forums.budgiebreeders.asn.au/faqs/i...&artlang=en