Eaton Pet and Pasture Premium Laying Hen Nesting Pads Review: Worth It?
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Finding the right nesting pad for our hens took some trial and error. The Eaton Pet and Pasture pads stood out while we tested them.
These pads felt soft and natural. Our hens seemed to prefer settling in them over other options we tried.
They made egg-collecting easier and helped keep eggs cleaner. We noticed this after just a few uses.
The material soaks up moisture well, which helps keep things fresh for the hens. While these pads cost a bit more than straw or hay, they last longer and reduce problems with broken or dirty eggs.
Some hens took a little time to adjust to the new texture. That didn’t surprise us—chickens can be picky.
Overview of Eaton Pet and Pasture Premium Laying Hen Nesting Pads
We found these nesting pads to be a solid choice for keeping our hen nesting areas clean and comfortable. Made from aspen, the pads feel soft and absorb moisture well.
They help keep eggs from getting dirty or broken. The pads fit most nesting boxes and are easy to replace and clean.
They’re pricier than straw or hay, but the quality and durability make them worth considering if you want to cut down on egg breakage and mess. The pads create a neat and cozy spot for hens to lay eggs.
Key Features
After trying these pads, we noticed several practical aspects that stand out. They offer a mix of comfort for hens and ease for keepers, but also have some limits to consider.
Premium & Sustainable Aspen Material
The pads use aspen wood fibers, which feel softer compared to straw or turf we’ve used before. This material is lighter but still thick enough to cushion eggs well.
It comes from sustainable forests, which suits those of us who want eco-friendly options. The pads dry quickly and don’t get soggy fast, helping reduce odor inside nesting boxes.
If wet for long periods, the pads can still hold some moisture, so regular changing is needed. That’s just part of chicken keeping, honestly.
Hand-Packed Quality Assurance
We could tell the pads were carefully packed by hand. Each pad arrived neat, with no broken pieces or loose fibers making a mess.
This attention means less hassle setting them up and replacing them in the coop. While not every pack is perfect, the quality focus from the makers was obvious.
It made our setup process smoother compared to bulk-packed alternatives. That little extra care goes a long way.
Effortless Egg Collection
Using these pads made gathering eggs simpler. The soft surface kept eggs from rolling out or cracking easily.
We found the size fit most nesting boxes well. Scooping eggs didn’t turn into an awkward struggle.
The pads help keep eggs in place and protect them when hens shift around. Some pads can even be flipped to extend use, which adds value.
Very active hens may sometimes push eggs around, so some attention is still needed. Nothing’s ever totally hands-off with chickens.
Enhanced Cleanliness and Moisture Control
The pads managed moisture surprisingly well. The aspen fibers absorb dampness better than straw, keeping eggs and the nesting area drier.
This helped reduce dirty eggs and cut down on cleaning time for us. The kraft paper layer beneath catches moisture and debris, making the nest cleaner than usual.
Regular maintenance is still necessary, especially in humid or rainy climates. Otherwise, buildup and odors can sneak up on you.
| Feature | Benefit | Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Aspen Material | Soft, eco-friendly, quick-drying | Needs routine replacement |
| Hand-Packed Quality | Ready-to-use, neat condition | Not foolproof for all packs |
| Egg Collection | Eggs stay in place, less breakage | Very active hens may cause spillage |
| Cleanliness & Moisture Control | Reduces dampness and odors | Regular changing is still required |
Pros and Cons
After spending some time with these nesting pads, we have a clear picture of what works well and what could be better.
Pros
- Comfort for Hens: Our hens seemed to like the soft, natural feel of the pads.
- Cleanliness: The pads absorb moisture well, keeping the nesting area drier and eggs cleaner than straw or turf.
- Egg Protection: We noticed fewer broken eggs since the pads provide a gentler surface.
- Ease of Use: They’re simple to place and remove, so cleaning and replacement go quickly.
- Sustainability: The pads are made from sustainably harvested aspen, which is a plus for eco-minded folks.
- Durability: Flipping the pads over extends their use.
Cons
- Price Point: These nesting pads cost more than regular straw or shredded paper.
- Size Fit: While they fit most standard nests, some boxes might need a little trimming.
- Limited Use Time: Even though they last longer than straw, these pads still need regular changing to stay clean.
- Not Ideal for All Flocks: Some chickens took a while to adjust and seemed to prefer other bedding types at first.
Customer Reviews
We found that many people appreciate how well these nesting pads keep eggs clean and safe. Users like that the pads fit perfectly, soak up moisture, and are easy to replace.
Compared to straw, these pads seem to reduce broken eggs and make cleaning quicker. Some folks point out that hens quickly adapt and prefer these pads to other bedding types.
A few mention the cost is a bit higher but feel the pads last long enough to be worth it.
Pros:
- Keeps eggs clean and dry
- Easy to clean and replace
- Comfortable for hens
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than traditional bedding
User Tips for Best Results
We found that placing the pads flat with the paper side down works best to keep the nest dry and clean. If needed, flipping them over extends their life so you get more use before replacing.
Making sure the pads fit snugly in the nesting boxes helps stop hens from kicking them out. We noticed that hens prefer these pads over old hay or turf because they feel softer and stay fresher longer.
For easier cleaning, swap the pads regularly to prevent moisture buildup. Keeping the nesting area dry not only protects eggs from breaking but also keeps hens comfortable and healthy.
After trying out these nesting pads, I noticed they actually help keep eggs much cleaner. The pads fit nicely in most nesting boxes, which was a relief.
They deal with moisture way better than straw. I ended up with fewer broken or dirty eggs, which is always a win.
My hens seemed pretty comfortable on them, though I can’t say for sure if they loved it. Cleaning the boxes got a lot faster.
They’re pricier than regular bedding, yeah, but they last longer and really cut down on mess. If you want a cleaner, easier chicken coop setup, these pads make sense—unless you’re really pinching pennies.
