Today is day two of our lovely itty bitties being home, and I have a couple questions. They peck at my rings a LOT. I don't wear a ton of them, just 2 silver bands, but they are definitely chick magnets. One of them in particular (a Dominique) goes after my hand as soon as I reach into the brooder. I'm hoping some of this lets up with age, when they realize my rings and hands aren't food, but is there something I should be doing in the meantime to discourage it? We've had ducks before, and I vaguely remember them just stopping as they grew up.
My second question is about the litter in the brooder. Right now we have paper towels down, but planned to switch to wood shavings in a few days. My husband had the idea of maybe using leaves from our backyard instead. Would that be okay? We have a couple oak trees back there, so we have an enormous amount of leaves. I know some folks use leaves (and other organic matter) as litter in coops and runs, but I hadn't noticed it mentioned in a brooder.
Thanks! We are having a great time with our "Chicken Disney Princesses" so far.
My second question is about the litter in the brooder. Right now we have paper towels down, but planned to switch to wood shavings in a few days. My husband had the idea of maybe using leaves from our backyard instead. Would that be okay? We have a couple oak trees back there, so we have an enormous amount of leaves. I know some folks use leaves (and other organic matter) as litter in coops and runs, but I hadn't noticed it mentioned in a brooder.
Thanks! We are having a great time with our "Chicken Disney Princesses" so far.