Pecking Order Nest Pads Review: Cleaner Eggs, Less Work?

 

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Our Verdict

After a thorough evaluation, we can confidently say that the Pecking Order Nest Pads are a fantastic investment for the modern backyard chicken keeper who values convenience, cleanliness, and the well-being of their flock. They effectively eliminate many of the common frustrations associated with loose bedding. The pads create a tidy, inviting nest that encourages hens to lay where they’re supposed to, and the cushioned surface does an excellent job of protecting eggs.

While they may not be as indestructible as a rubber mat, their performance in keeping eggs clean and simplifying coop cleanup is a game-changer. For those tired of constantly scooping soiled straw and washing mucky eggs, these pads offer a streamlined, efficient, and hen-approved solution. They are a top-tier choice for maintaining a more hygienic and productive coop with less effort.

Key Features & Benefits Explored

Let’s break down what makes these nesting pads stand out. It’s not just about being a pre-formed mat; the real value is in how each feature translates to a better experience for both you and your birds.

Made with 100% All-Natural Wood Shavings

Safety and comfort are paramount in any coop. These pads are crafted from all-natural wood shavings, which means you’re not introducing any harmful chemicals or synthetic materials into your hens’ environment. Wood shavings are naturally absorbent, helping to wick away moisture and keep the nesting area dry. This is crucial for preventing the growth of bacteria and ensuring the eggs stay as clean as possible. The soft, yet firm, texture is also comfortable for your hens’ feet.

Encourages Natural Nesting Behavior for Happier Hens

Hens have a natural instinct to seek out a safe, secluded, and comfortable spot to lay their eggs. A messy, damp, or bare nesting box can cause stress and may lead them to lay elsewhere (the dreaded “floor egg”). The Pecking Order Nest Pads create a defined, cozy, and stable nesting environment. This consistency encourages natural nesting behavior, making your hens feel secure. A happy, unstressed hen is often a more productive and healthy hen.

Fits Most Standard-Sized Nesting Boxes

One of the most practical features is their universal design. These pads are manufactured to fit most standard-sized nesting boxes (typically around 12×12 inches). This eliminates the guesswork and mess of measuring and cutting materials. You can simply place a pad in each box, and you’re done. This convenience saves a significant amount of time and effort during coop setup and cleaning.

Easy to Clean and Maintain for a Hygienic Coop

This is arguably the biggest selling point for busy flock owners. Instead of scooping out soiled, scattered bedding piece by piece, you can simply lift out the entire used pad and replace it with a fresh one. This makes spot-cleaning a breeze and deep-cleaning the coop much faster. A cleaner nesting box contributes to overall coop hygiene, reducing ammonia smell and minimizing the risk of parasites and disease. An easy to clean and maintain coop is a healthier coop.

Helps Keep Eggs Clean, Protected, and Reduces Breakage

The final, and perhaps most important, benefit is the impact on your egg harvest. The dense but soft surface of the wood shavings pad provides a cushion for the eggs. This significantly helps keep eggs clean, protected, and reduces breakage. The absorbent material pulls moisture and droppings away from the egg’s surface, meaning less time spent at the sink scrubbing. The soft landing also minimizes the chance of hairline cracks that can occur when an egg is laid on a hard surface.

What We Liked

• Time-Saving Champion: The single biggest pro is the sheer convenience. Swapping out a pad takes seconds, compared to the minutes it takes to properly clean and refill a box with loose shavings.
• Superior Egg Cleanliness: We noticed a dramatic reduction in the number of soiled eggs. The pads do an excellent job of keeping the eggs elevated from any muck.
• Hen Approved: Our test flock took to the pads almost immediately. They seemed to appreciate the stable, comfortable surface and consistently chose the boxes with pads.
• Reduced Waste: With loose shavings, hens often kick a large amount out of the box, which then gets wasted on the coop floor. These pads keep the bedding where it belongs.
• Durable Construction: The pads are well-pressed and hold their shape, even with hens scratching and settling in. They don’t disintegrate easily.

Potential Drawbacks

• Cost Consideration: On a per-use basis, these pads are more expensive than buying a large bale of straw or wood shavings. The cost is a trade-off for the convenience.
• Aggressive Scratchers: While durable, a particularly determined hen who loves to scratch and rearrange her nest may be able to tear up the pad over time, making it a bit messy.
• Not a Complete Bedding Solution: Remember, these are for nesting boxes only. You will still need to provide appropriate bedding for the main coop floor.

Who Are These Nesting Pads For?

The Pecking Order Nest Pads are ideal for a few specific types of chicken keepers:

• The Busy Backyard Chicken Keeper: If you’re juggling a job, family, and other commitments, the time saved on coop cleaning is invaluable. These pads make one of the most frequent chores significantly faster.
• The Cleanliness-Focused Owner: For those who prioritize coop hygiene and can’t stand the sight of dirty eggs, these pads are a must-have. They are a systematic way to ensure a consistently clean nesting area.
• New Chicken Owners: If you’re new to raising birds, these pads take the guesswork out of nesting box setup. They provide an easy, effective solution right out of the box.
• Keepers with Small to Medium Flocks: While suitable for any size flock, the convenience-to-cost ratio is often most appealing for those with a handful of nesting boxes to maintain.

Comparison to Alternatives

How do the Pecking Order pads stack up against traditional options? Let’s compare.

• vs. Loose Straw/Hay: Straw is cheap but not very absorbent, leading to wet, messy nests. It can also harbor mites. The Pecking Order pads are far more absorbent and hygienic. While more expensive, the pads save you from dealing with soggy, smelly straw and keep eggs much cleaner.
• vs. Loose Wood Shavings: Loose shavings are a good, absorbent alternative and are cost-effective. However, the biggest issue is that hens love to kick them everywhere, emptying the nesting box. The Pecking Order pads solve this by keeping the shavings compressed and in place, ensuring the box bottom is always covered and cushioned.
• vs. Rubber/Astroturf Pads: Reusable rubber pads are a durable, long-term option. However, they need to be removed and thoroughly washed and dried, which can be a chore in itself. Some hens also dislike the artificial texture. The Pecking Order pads offer a disposable convenience that many find preferable to scrubbing plastic mats.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How often do I need to change the Pecking Order Nest Pads?
  This depends on your flock size and how frequently the boxes are used. A good rule of thumb is to check them daily and replace them as soon as they become significantly soiled or wet. For an average coop, a pad might last anywhere from one to three weeks.
• Are the wood shavings in the pads safe for my birds?
  Absolutely. The pads are made with 100% all-natural wood shavings, specifically avoiding cedar, which can be harmful to chickens. They are designed with poultry safety as a top priority.
• What if my hens don’t seem to like them at first?
  Most hens adapt quickly. If you have a hesitant hen, you can try sprinkling a little bit of their old, familiar bedding material (like straw or shavings) on top of the new pad for the first day or two. This often encourages them to give it a try.
• Can I compost the used nesting pads?
  Yes! Since they are made from all-natural wood shavings and paper backing, the used pads are fully compostable. They make a great “brown” material for your compost pile, adding carbon to balance out the nitrogen from coop waste.

Conclusion: A Worthy Upgrade for Your Coop

In the world of chicken coop accessories, it’s rare to find a product that so effectively solves multiple problems at once. The Pecking Order Nest Pads – Premium Wood Shavings for Chicken Coop Bedding deliver on their promise of a cleaner, more convenient, and hen-friendly nesting solution. They transform nesting box maintenance from a messy chore into a quick and simple task.

By providing a stable and comfortable surface, these pads encourage proper nesting behavior, but the real win is for you, the keeper. The payoff in cleaner eggs, reduced breakage, and saved time makes them a valuable addition to any coop management routine. If you’re ready to spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your flock and their delicious eggs, these nesting pads are a clear winner.

Ready to make your coop cleaner and your life easier? Check out the Pecking Order Nest Pads on Amazon today!

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