Bedding Alternative

[AnonPaperclip]

My two (now three, I guess) week old chick has trouble walking around on the pine bedding we have her set in. I've taken her out a couple of times to help her walk around and build up the strength in her legs, and I've found out that she has a much better time walking on a hard surface rather than bedding. She hardly falls down, and in the case that she does, she can get back up on her own. I've only walked her on concrete and a welcome mat, but if there are any alternatives to bedding that are firmer but still easy to maintain, then I'd love to know.

 

[Stephine]

Some people use the nubby plastic shelf liners.

 

[AnonPaperclip]

??

 

[Stephine]

They are a thicker, textured material. They take them out and rinse them then air dry as need be and alternate different sheets.

 

[AnonPaperclip]

I'll take a look at it

 

[Stephine]

Otherwise I'd go for paper towels. Pricier maybe, since you can't reuse, but easy. Just add layers for quick clean up and occasionally take all out and start over. Hopefully your special needs chick will get stronger quickly.

 

[AnonPaperclip]

Thanks! I'll see what we can do.

 

[sas212]

I use the equine pine pellets for my chicks. No smell or dust and they can't eat the big pellets.
I get a 40# bag for around $7 or less and lasts a long time also safe for compost.