Cackle Hatchery 13x13 Nest Box Pads — 12-Pack Aspen-Excelsior Liners, Moisture-Wicking Cushioning

Cackle Hatchery 13x13 nest box pads are biodegradable aspen-excelsior liners that cushion eggs, wick moisture away, and simplify egg gathering in each nesting box.

These 12-pack nest box pads are designed from American-grown aspen excelsior and brown kraft paper to create a soft, breathable bedding layer that keeps eggs clean and reduces breakage. Built on decades of hatchery experience, the pads are thicker than traditional excelsior used for chicks, offering durable cushioning and moisture control for laying hens. They’re easy to place, simple to fluff, and removable for routine cleaning—making nest maintenance faster while using a sustainably sourced material.

How do these nest pads protect eggs and reduce breakage?

The aspen-excelsior fibers form a cradling surface that cushions eggs and holds them slightly elevated from the box floor, preventing direct contact with hard surfaces. The natural fiber structure absorbs and channels moisture away from eggs, lowering the chance of soiling and weakening of shells.

• Cradling fibers reduce rolling and bumping.
• Raised fiber structure keeps eggs off cold or hard surfaces.
• Moisture-wicking reduces dampness and soiling.
• Thicker pad design resists compaction under hens.

Are these pads easy to use and maintain in everyday coop routines?

Yes—simply place one 13x13 pad in each nesting box and fluff the fibers to the desired depth with your fingers. Pads can remain in place for weeks to months under typical conditions and are straightforward to remove for replacement or composting.

• Quick placement—no shaping required.
• Reusable for months under normal use before replacement.
• Easy to remove for quick nest checks and cleaning.
• Compatible with most standard nesting box sizes and designs.

Can these excelsior pads be used for chicks or other poultry purposes?

Yes, the excelsior fiber pads also serve well as brooder flooring for chicks because they provide steady footing without clogging feeders or waterers like loose shavings can. Hatcheries commonly use excelsior for chick transport and brooding, and this thicker pad translates that same practical benefit to adult nesting boxes.

• Stable traction for young chicks’ feet.
• Won’t pack into feeders or water lines.
• Works for brooder trays, shipping boxes, and nest boxes.
• Biodegradable—easy composting after use.

Who is this product for? Small-scale and backyard poultry keepers, homesteaders, and small hatchery operators who prioritize egg cleanliness, humane laying conditions, and sustainable materials will find these pads useful. If you want an easy-to-install, low-dust nesting surface made in the USA that eases egg gathering and reduces breakage, this 12-pack of 13x13 Cackle Hatchery nest box pads is designed for your coop. They appeal to anyone seeking a simple, long-lasting liner that doubles as brooder bedding and compostable waste when it’s time to replace them.