Age to Start Using Shavings?

[ChickenGirl555]

I just hatched a batch of chicks where 2 hatched Wednesday morning and 1 hatched Monday morning (this week).

At what age can I use shavings? I’ve raised chicks before but I usually buy them as chicks while this time I incubated.

 

[DobieLover]

I started using shavings when mine were six days old. They were 3 days old when they arrived. I used puppy training pads to line to brooder.
I allowed them to eat around the clock for the first 3 days after they arrived by leaving the lights on all the time.
Then I removed the puppy pads and used newspaper covered with about 1" of shavings for bedding and left the lights off at night. They had no issues.

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

You can use them right off the bat but it's better to lay sheets of newspaper or puppy pads or whatever so that they can figure out spilled food and eat them off the floor.

 

[SueT]

I use shavings from day 1. I have always picked up my chicks at the hatchery on hatch day, when they were only hours old.

 

[blackdog043]

I use shavings from the start, they're usually a couple days old, weather I have them shipped or purchased at a store.

You will probably get a 50/50 mix of how many use pads for a few days and shavings from the start.

 

[ChickenGirl555]

Alright, well thanks! I’ve been using Puppy pads and they’re all at least 2 days old now so I’ll switch to shavings. Thanks!