Bedding for chicks

[cochinbantam-lover]

Hi,
I have heard that it is a good idea when your chicks first arrive to use newspaper with paper towels on top to prevent any foot and leg problems later on. My question is how long does this need to be done before using other bedding materials?
What is a safe bedding to use, pine, aspen, corn cob ground, suggestions please?

Thanks!

 

[Schroeder]

I think you could use the paper towels as long as you wanted, but after a week or two you'll be tired of changing the paper all the time. I really like the pine pellets made specifically for bedding. I used about a two inch layer and had virtually no smell for 3 weeks.

 

[verlaj]

Did you spray the pine pellets with water and fluff, per the recommendations on the bag I have, before the chicks arrived or do you use them as is - in pellet form?

 

[cybercat]

We use them in pellet form and do not wet them down. Chicks do that as they grow LOL. BTW you can use either the pine pellets or wood stove pellets both will work.

 

[aidenbaby]

I swear, you pine pellet users, you have me convinced to give them a try when my pine and aspen shavings are done.

 

[BethESH]

Hi there!

I use the pine pellets - it's labeled equine bedding - with paper towels over it. (Just got my shipment from Ideal on Thursday.) The problem is that when the waterer shifts just enough to get the bedding wet, the pellets disintegrate into some sort of extremely fine powder. I'm worried about how the chicks will do when I stop doing the paper towel thing. Any thoughts?

Beth

 

[Wynette]

You really only need paper towels (I use puppy training pads) for 3 days; then, switch to whatever you've decided to use.

I prefer shavings. I use pelleted bedding for my horses, so I have that avaialble, but after trying it for chicks/chickens, I switched back to shavings. Pellets aren't soft & fluffy, which I think the chickens/chicks prefer. I probably do this more for me than them, though!

 

[BeccaOH]

I do the puppy pads for the first few days. I have used pine shavings, but I'm preferring the equine pine pellets now. I do moisten just a little on the top layer to give them a soft place to lay. I have to elevate the water and feed, though, as I'm finding my chicks love to scratch and fling any bedding I use.

 

[cochinbantam-lover]

Thankyou so much to all who replied to my questions about bedding etc.! You're the best and I am so glad I found this board I am learning so much!!!

I'll bet I will have lots more as time goes on.

 

[noitulover]

i wouldn't use newspaper, as sometimes the inks in the paper smell and rub off on the chicks. it can cause respiratory damage. paper towels are great and i start mixing in pine shavings as they get older!

good luck!