Small Pet Select - Chicken Nesting Pads (8-Pack), 13x13, for

The Verdict

Let’s be honest: cleaning a chicken coop is nobody’s favorite chore. If you’re looking at these Small Pet Select nesting pads, you’re probably tired of picking soiled straw out of nest boxes with a rake and a grimace. The question is whether a disposable 13x13 pad actually replaces the straw, or just adds another layer of stuff to manage. I’ve dug through the specs, the buyer feedback, and the math on this one. Here’s the real story.

What You’re Actually Getting

Eight pre-cut 13x13 pads show up in a flat pack, and that’s it — no plastic tray, no adhesive strips, no gimmicks. The material is a thick, quilted paper blend with a smooth top layer and a textured backing. As shown in the product image, they’re designed to sit directly in the nest box, forming a soft cup shape around your hen’s preferred spot. They’re not scented, which is a plus for anyone whose birds have rejected lavender-scented bedding.

How They Hold Up in Real Life

Performance is where these earn their keep. The 13x13 footprint matches standard nest boxes almost perfectly — you’ll rarely need to cut one down. The absorbency is genuinely better than I expected from a paper product. One reviewer noted, “I was skeptical about replacing straw, but these handle a full week of three hens laying daily. No wet spots on the coop floor underneath.”

That’s the key advantage: moisture doesn’t wick through to the wooden box below. With straw, you’re often dealing with damp corners and ammonia smell by day three. These pads buy you time. Most buyers report swapping them out every 7–14 days, which means fewer trips to the coop with a pitchfork.

What Buyers Consistently Praise

The convenience factor comes up again and again in the 220+ ratings. “I can just grab the corners and toss the whole thing in the compost bin,” one verified buyer wrote. “No more shaking straw out and trying to figure out which pieces are salvageable.” Another common theme: cleaner eggs. Because the pad absorbs moisture and keeps droppings contained, eggs stay noticeably cleaner at collection time.

Where They Fall Short

Let’s talk tradeoffs. Some hens are destructive. If you’ve got a bored or broody bird, she may shred the pad within hours. One reviewer warned, “My Buff Orpington tore hers apart in two days. I had to go back to straw for her.” That’s not a manufacturing flaw — it’s a behavioral reality. If you have a known shredder, budget for quicker replacement cycles.

Also, these don’t compost as quickly as straw. While the manufacturer claims they’re compostable, the paper material breaks down slower than organic bedding. If you maintain a hot compost pile, you’ll want to tear the pads up or soak them first.

Who Should Buy These

If you have standard-sized nest boxes, keep a small flock (under a dozen hens), and hate daily straw management, these are a solid upgrade. They’re also excellent for brooders or hospital pens where cleanliness matters more than cost. Skip them if you have giant breeds that crush the pad into a flat mess, or if you’re on an ultra-tight budget — at roughly $1–2 per pad, they’re more expensive than straw over a season.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change the nesting pads? Most users get 7–10 days per pad with 2–3 active layers. Check daily for heavy soiling — if a hen tracks mud in, swap it early.

Can these be used with straw on top? Yes, and some owners do this to satisfy nesting instincts while still getting the absorbent base. The pad adds structure, the straw adds comfort.

Are they safe for chicks? Yes, but supervise young birds — they’re more prone to pecking at the texture. For broody hens, the soft surface actually helps keep eggs from rolling.

The Verdict

Buy it if: You want to cut your coop cleaning time in half and don’t mind paying a bit more for the convenience. These are especially worth it in wet climates or for anyone with mobility issues that make daily straw changes difficult.

Skip it if: You have destructive hens, prefer fully biodegradable bedding, or keep a large flock where cost-per-bird matters more than your time.

Rating: 4.2/5 — A genuinely useful product with a couple of honest limitations. The convenience factor is real, the absorbency holds up, and for most backyard keepers, these will become a staple. Just know your flock’s personality before you commit to the switch.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.