Bedding & Feed Question

[MandyCandy]

I didnt see the answer to this in the Learning Center but I'm sorry if it's there and I missed it.

How deep should bedding be in the brooder? I'm planning on getting pine pellets but might get pine shavings if they're significantly cheaper. (Getting chicks the 6th! Yay

) Also, is the same bedding used in the coop when they're old enough, or can you use straw/alfalfa then?

Ah, one more question. Do you switch the chicks to adult feed the day they move out of the brooder? Or a little sooner/later?

Thank you! Happy Easter! Hope you got some nice Easter eggs

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

Hi there! I put about 2" of shavings in my brooder. Enough for padding and enough for them to dig/dust bathe in. You can use pretty much whatever you'd like in your coop. I, personally prefer shavings because they're easier for me to spot clean and they seem to absorb moisture better. Lots of people use straw, pellets and sand.

Don't switch over to layer feed until the chickens start laying. The layer has extra calcium for help with egg formation and it's not good for developing chicks kidneys. I keep an ornamental breed (Silkies) and I don't feed them much layer at all. Usually they get gamebird feed with some oyster shell on the side. During the warmer months when they're laying well I will sometimes buy a bag and mix a little in with the gamebird crumbs.

Good luck with your chicks when you get them!!!!!!

 

[chicken boy123]

I have found Spanish moss on top of dog training pads is a really good bedding.