At what age can I stop using paper towels?

[Willow's Meadow]

We have had our chicks for 2 days so far. I have wood shavings in there brooder and paper towels layered on top. I read you could switch from paper towels to wood shavings(or just stop using the paper towels) at day 4. What age should I switch them? When did you switch yours?

 

[zazouse]

I never use paper towels just put them on shavings right from hatch day, i never lost a chick because of shavings, so i say save yourself some extra work and just use shavings

 

[chick4chicks]

Sometimes I use paper towels for 1 day, sometimes shavings from day 1.

 

[ShaggysGirl]

I have wood shavings about 3 inches thick and put the paper towel just from the food area out about two sheets so they could go to the shaving or the toweled areas. I removed the towels when the were 6 days old this time. I find it easier to see how their poop is looking when they start out on the paper towels.

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

I use it for about a week. After they are stronger and know the difference between food and shavings, I take the paper towels (actually I use the puppy pads) away.

 

[catwalk]

I only use paper towels under the food bowl, so I can keep track of consumption, and only for a couple of days. Chicks under broodies don't get paper towels at all.

 

[noodleroo]

Mostly, white paper towels make it easier for the chicks to see the difference between their food and the bedding. Its not that the bedding will hurt them to ingest, you just would rather them eat nutritional starter. As another post mentioned, the paper towels also make it easier for you to check out the poop and make sure that is how it should be. I left mine in for 3 days as my chicks knew their food within a day, really, and their poop was fine. If you have problems in either or these areas, just keep using the towels a few more days. Some people never bother with the paper towels....

 

[Willow's Meadow]

Quote:
Thanks that helps! All the posts helped! My chicks are digging under the paper towels to get to the shavings! They grab at them, but haven't actually ate them. So I'm pretty sure they know what there food is. I think I switch on day 4 or 5. Oh and I read your page about taming chicks a few weeks ago. I've done it on my chicks several times....I can now put a chick to sleep(completly ASLEEP) within 3 deep breaths and they LOVE it!!!!! Thanks!!!!!

 

[noodleroo]

Willow's Meadow :

Quote:
Thanks that helps! All the posts helped! My chicks are digging under the paper towels to get to the shavings! They grab at them, but haven't actually ate them. So I'm pretty sure they know what there food is. I think I switch on day 4 or 5. Oh and I read your page about taming chicks a few weeks ago. I've done it on my chicks several times....I can now put a chick to sleep(completly ASLEEP) within 3 deep breaths and they LOVE it!!!!! Thanks!!!!!

You are most welcome, and thanks for the feedback! I'm glad it helped!​

 

[A.T. Hagan]

I've never used paper towels. Straight onto the shavings. Never lost a chick to eating them. Just put a new lot of chicks and poults in the brooder today in fact.