Hen Comfort Nest Pads for Chicken Nesting Boxes, 13 x 13 Aspen Excelsior, 10 Pack Review (2026)

What the pads are made from

Hen Comfort's listing describes these as 100 percent sustainably sourced aspen excelsior, a fine curled wood fiber, backed with a kraft paper layer so each pad holds together as a single liner rather than loose shavings. The company states the pads are made in the USA, and each one measures approximately 13 by 13 inches, matching the interior dimensions of many common nest boxes without needing to be trimmed. According to the listing, the excelsior can be pulled apart or compressed by hand to adjust its loft, so keepers can fluff it up for extra cushioning or flatten it for a shallower box.

Why excelsior instead of shavings or straw

The manufacturer's stated advantage of excelsior over pine shavings or straw is that eggs sit on top of the curled fibers rather than sinking into them, so eggs stay visible and are easier to find and collect during a normal coop check. Hen Comfort also states the fiber structure lets moisture and droppings fall down through the pad rather than pooling around the eggs, which the company markets as a way to reduce cracked or dirtied eggs compared with denser bedding materials. This kind of pad is a popular choice specifically for nest boxes rather than for the coop floor, where deeper bedding is usually preferred for absorbing larger volumes of droppings.

Sizing and fit in real nest boxes

At roughly 13.5 by 13 by 6.5 inches as packaged, according to Amazon's listing, the pads are sized for standard single-hen nest boxes, and the excelsior's ability to be pulled or compressed gives some flexibility for boxes that are slightly larger or smaller than exactly 13 inches square. Buyers with nonstandard nest box dimensions, either much larger communal boxes or unusually small individual ones, should measure before ordering, since a pad this size will not expand or need trimming by a large margin. The 10 pack format means most keepers with a handful of nest boxes can outfit every box and still have spares left for replacements.

Durability and replacement

Because this is a newer brand relative to longer-established excelsior pad makers, there is less of a track record on how consistently individual pads hold together over repeated use compared with brands that have been selling the same product for years. The listing notes the pads can shift when hens scratch vigorously while nesting, which can leave bare patches on the kraft paper backing exposed, so periodic fluffing or repositioning helps keep coverage even across the pad. Hen Comfort recommends removing the pad, shaking out debris, and replacing it as needed rather than trying to fully launder it, which is standard practice for excelsior nest pads generally.

Who these pads suit

These pads fit keepers with standard 13 x 13 inch nest boxes who want a made-in-USA excelsior option and like having a 10 pack of spares on hand for when a pad gets soiled or an egg breaks inside the box. They are a reasonable choice for anyone switching away from shavings or straw specifically to keep eggs cleaner and easier to spot during collection. Keepers who want a longer-proven brand name, or who have nest boxes with unusual dimensions, may want to compare against more established excelsior pad makers before committing to a full case.

Frequently asked questions