Another poopy question

I think I've seen some one say they've used cat litter. I haven't, hope some one else jumps in here!

 

I would think cat litter would be too 'dusty' and cause breathing problem as well as sawdust. Shavings would be better.

 

I use news paper then put a pice of wire on top of it so they don't slip.

 

Not sure if it is safe to use cat litter but if someone says it is just make sure you don't use scoopable. That can kill kittens if ingested so I am sure it could kill chickens if ingested.
I do think wood shavings would be cheaper and less heavy when cleaning. Also pine pellets for horse bedding could be a filler.

 

Cat litter cause breathing problems for me so I wouldn't use it. I use paper towels right now. I use the "select a size" ones use a double layer, it gets changed about twice a day or more. Not to expensive if you buy store brand.

 

Another "free" option for bedding is the diamond cut shreds from an office paper shredder. We are currently brooding 20 chicks and go through bedding like crazy since I'm fanatical about cleanliness. Our office secretary saves the bags of shreds for me. I use a cardboard box for a brooder, lay down a disposable incontinence pad (you could also use a puppy pee pad), one layer of paper towels, and the shreds on top. To clean daily just lift the edges of the paper towels and throw away.

Once the birds have gotten to 4 weeks old or so sometimes the liquid seeps through to the pad and it may need to be changed as well.