# Best Nesting Pads for Nest Boxes Source: https://chickencoopnest.com/best/best-nesting-pads Updated: 2026-09-15 Publisher: Chicken Coop Nest. Our score is an editorial rating out of 10 (fit 35%, features 25%, build 20%, value 20%), not a customer rating. Method: https://chickencoopnest.com/how-we-research#our-score A nest pad is the layer between a hen and a hard box floor, and it does more work than its price suggests. It cushions the egg as it drops, keeps loose bedding from being kicked out, and gives you a clean surface you can lift and replace in seconds. What varies is the material: pressed aspen excelsior, flexible rubber grids, and washable synthetic mats all behave differently once they are wet or soiled. We compared cushioning, how well each pad holds its shape under a heavy hen, and whether it can be hosed off or has to be thrown away. Excelsior pads suit keepers who prefer a disposable, compostable swap. Rubber grids suit anyone tired of buying replacements and willing to rinse them. Sizing matters more than anything, so measure your box floor before ordering a multi pack. ## Picks ### 1. MagJo Aspen Nesting Pads for Chicken Coops, USA Grown Aspen Excelsior Nest Box Liners 13x13, 12 Pack Our score: 8.6/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10) MagJo's USA grown aspen excelsior 13x13 nest box liners in a 12 Pack, giving two extra pads over typical 10 packs. Pros: - 12 Pack gives more changes per order than common pad bundles - USA grown aspen offers a traceable natural liner material - 13x13 size drops into many standard nest boxes Cons: - Pads are disposable, so larger flocks will go through packs quickly - Excelsior can shed fibers that end up in coop bedding Details: https://chickencoopnest.com/product/B076ZSJBWD ### 2. Nest Box Queen Excelsior Nest Box Pads for Hens, 13 Inch x 13 Inch, 40 Pack Our score: 8.6/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10) Nest Box Queen's bulk 40 Pack of 13 Inch x 13 Inch excelsior nest box pads, for keepers with many nests to line. Pros: - 40 Pack covers a large flock or many months of pad changes - 13 Inch x 13 Inch size matches standard nesting boxes - Bulk quantity lowers the cost per pad compared with small packs Cons: - Large bundle needs dry storage so pads do not get damp or dusty - Too many pads for someone with just two or three nest boxes Details: https://chickencoopnest.com/product/B091MPVPYW ### 3. Pecking Order Nest Box Pads for Chicken Nesting Boxes, 13 x 13 Aspen Excelsior, 10 Pack Our score: 8.4/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Pecking Order's 13 x 13 aspen excelsior nest box pads in a 10 Pack, soft liners that fit standard nesting boxes. Pros: - 13 x 13 size fits many standard metal and wooden nest boxes - Aspen excelsior cushions eggs and helps prevent cracks - 10 Pack lets you swap in fresh pads as old ones get soiled Cons: - Pads may need trimming to fit smaller or odd-shaped nest boxes - Hens sometimes scratch excelsior apart, so pads wear over time Details: https://chickencoopnest.com/product/B09NCHHCQ7 ### 4. Hen Comfort Nest Pads for Chicken Nesting Boxes, 13 x 13 Aspen Excelsior, 10 Pack Our score: 8.0/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Hen Comfort's 13 x 13 aspen excelsior nest pads in a 10 Pack, cushioned liners that keep eggs clean. Pros: - Aspen excelsior is naturally soft and resists crumbling - 13 x 13 pads suit common nest box sizes out of the pack - 10 Pack keeps spares ready for when a hen breaks an egg Cons: - Newer brand, so consistency between pads is less proven - Pads can shift if hens scratch hard, leaving bare spots Details: https://chickencoopnest.com/product/B0CJTC89JQ ### 5. Nest Box Queen Excelsior Poultry Nest Pads, Made in USA, 10 Pack Our score: 7.8/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Nest Box Queen excelsior poultry nest pads, made in USA and sold as a 10 Pack for lining nesting boxes. Pros: - Made in USA excelsior appeals to keepers who prefer domestic goods - 10 Pack gives several months of pad changes for a small flock - Excelsior liners stay in place better than loose straw Cons: - Check the pad dimensions match your nest box size - Soiled pads need replacing rather than washing, adding ongoing cost Details: https://chickencoopnest.com/product/B091MVL783 ### 6. Precision Pet Chicken Nesting Pads by Petmate, 13 x 13 Premium Chicken Bedding, 10 Pack Our score: 7.6/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10) Precision Pet's 13 x 13 premium nesting pads by Petmate in a 10 Pack, from a large pet supplies maker. Pros: - Petmate backing means wide store availability for reorders - 13 x 13 premium pads suit standard poultry nest boxes - 10 Pack keeps nest boxes lined for weeks of regular laying Cons: - Check the pad material before buying - Brand premium can make pads cost more than generic excelsior Details: https://chickencoopnest.com/product/B00CAVMIK2 ### 7. Brillante Nesting Pads for Chicken Nest Boxes, 10 Pack of Natural Aspen Excelsior Liners Our score: 7.3/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) Brillante's 10 Pack of natural aspen excelsior liners for chicken nest boxes, a simple clean nesting surface. Pros: - Natural aspen fibers form a springy bed that protects eggs - Liners reduce the mess of loose straw kicked out of nests - 10 Pack is a practical starting quantity for a backyard flock Cons: - Confirm the pad size fits your nest boxes before ordering - Lighter liners may slide around in slick plastic nest boxes Details: https://chickencoopnest.com/product/B071DKVG3K ### 8. Nest Box Pads for Chicken Nesting Boxes, 13 x 13 Sustainably Sourced Aspen Excelsior, 5 Pack Our score: 7.0/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 6/10) A 5 Pack of 13 x 13 sustainably sourced aspen excelsior nest box pads, a small trial pack for a few nests. Pros: - 5 Pack is a low-commitment way to test pads in your nest boxes - Sustainably sourced aspen suits eco-conscious chicken keepers - 13 x 13 size fits common nesting box floors Cons: - Only five pads, so larger flocks will need to reorder soon - Smaller packs cost more per pad than bulk bundles Details: https://chickencoopnest.com/product/B0CDDK9DKY As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.