At what age can you put them on whood shavings?

[bantyshanty]

I have my second batch of keets now, one week old. Several of my first batch died from eating wood shavings, under a broody hen. They're on paper towels. At what age do you think it's safe to put well-aired pine shavings in the brooder or growing out cage?


Whoops! Whood shavings !

 

[StevenW.]

I would wait at least another week or 2 just to make sure they are eating and drinking properly. )

 

[PeepsCA]

I agree with Steven, I'd wait until they are at least 2 wks old, 3 if possible. In the meantime you can put them on coarse straw. If you must switch to shavings any sooner, then I'd get the coarse flake (larger flake) if you can. And be sure they have chick grit. I've found that taking their food away for a couple hours then feeding them so they gorge themselves right before you switch to a new type of bedding lessons the chance of them eating the new bedding.