We recommend to replace after 7 years, but the length can vary depending on the breeds of birds used, the cleaning method, and the house environment

You should replace your nest pads after seeing wear spots or flattening develop to the point that eggs are being held up on the nest pad. Held up eggs cost growers and egg companies a lot of money compared to the price of new nest pads.

We have heard growers increase A-grade egg production typically by 2% when replacing nest pads.   They have also been able to reduce egg cleaning labor when moving to our NXT net pads by up to 50%.   While we cannot promise that you will get all those savings as this depends on management practices, you can get a good idea by adding up the increased revenue from the increased production along with decreased egg cleaning labor costs and comparing to the price of a new nest pad.

Stock items can ship within 5 days and non-stock (including custom cut items) can typically ship within three weeks of receiving an order.   Our valued dealers (see “Where to Buy”) typically carry stock of our stock items as well so that you can find a close-by, local supply.

Our 12”x13” sizes fit many individual nest houses in backyard production.  We also have 20”x56’ rolls that can be cut to size for custom sized boxes.  You may be able to get other sizes (typically around 1.5 ft x 4 ft) at one of our dealers listed.

We ask for a minimum 3000 sq. ft. order at standard pricing and can down to half that quantity for an upcharge.

1. Part of a hen’s natural nesting behavior is to try to manipulate a nest substrate (like AstroTurf®) in order to make a nice home to lay their eggs. So a nest pad helps hens to express that behavior and be less stressed.
2. Nest pads help to cushion the egg in its fall from the hen and transport to egg collection areas.
3. Nest pads are more hygienic and keep eggs cleaner than straw, peat or litter.

It is recommended to introduce the hen to the nest pad at least a week before the onset of lay. Put the pullets in the nest to get use to the feel. Also, when changing nest pad materials it is best to do so prior to the start of a flock as hens get used to the look and feel of the nest pads they are first introduced to.

Our patented grey color has been proven in studies with Broiler Breeder hens in North America. Our teak brown nest pads have been highly successful in community nest and aviary systems in Europe and now in North America. Both colors are proven to work well.

Nest pads sometimes are cleaned in place with a portable pressure washer or removed and laid flat to clean. After cleaning we recommend applying a disinfectant before bringing in the next flock. Regardless of the method, our NXT nest pads have been proven to be the easiest nest pads to clean.

A good resource can be found on the Compassion in World Farming website, here.

• United Egg Producers Certified has a section on their website, here.
• Compassion in World Farming has published a very informative guide, titled “Building a Better Hen House”, which can be found on their website.

You can find the latest at the Compassion in World Farming website, here.

We found a great resource at www.assurewel.org/layinghens that lists important indicators of laying hen welfare.