Bedding for chicks

[RhodeIslandReds]

I was just wondering what other bedding you can use for chicks that are already on pine shavings. I use pine shaving mostly but looking at some ways to cut corners on the bill for chicks.
If you have any other sugestions please let me hear.

Thanks,
RiRs

 

[underground chickenman]

Pine shavings are the best litter, in my opinion. They are only about $4 per bail at TSC and another local feed store. I have only used about a third of a bail in four weeks for my newest chicks and I have a big brooder (4' x 4'). The bails are compressed and go a long way. If you are buying bags from a pet store, they cost a fortune.

I have heard of people using shredded paper, but it mats down and isn't very absorbent, so it gets wet and smelly quickly. Same for straw or hay, but to a lesser extent.

I'll be interested to see what others have to say to your question.

UGCM

 

[Chicken Little Farmer]

If you are close to a Wilco, that is a good place to go for Pine Shavings

 

[Carpe DiHen]

I am going to try this:

"Introducing the critter friendly bedding with so many advantages; it's super-soft and comfortable, virtually dust free, and naturally helps control odors. Plus it can be flushed or used as a compost or mulch. Highly absorbent material is free of aromatic oils Total Comfort controls odor naturally and is a great alternative to wood shavings. Made from reclaimed resources of wood fibers, Total Comfort provides a fresh and safe environment for pets"

I asked on the forum if anyone else had used it and I got no answers. GUESS

I'll be the FIRST!

Someone gave it to me and I'm going to switch to horse pellets after the bag is gone because that is what I plan to use in the coop.

PS- I looked up the cost and it is expensive.

 

[Chicken Little Farmer]

How much did the bag cost??? and what kind of shavingis it?

 

[Carpe DiHen]

Quote:
It is made of "reclaimed resources of wood fibers".

It was listed for $13.00 on a Petco web site.

I'm not sure how far it will go, it may last longer than shavings, or not, but I love the dust free aspect. It doesn't look any more appealing to peck and eat (to me) than wood shavings.

I get my chickens April 12th, so I'll be sure to post how it goes.

 

[BigBadCryBaby]

It's over three times the amount of pine shavings. For a 7 cubic foot bag of pine shavings I pay $4.50 for my chicks in the brooder. When they get out to the coop in the barn it will be a mix of pine shavings and straw. Good luck.

 

[Chicken Little Farmer]

Quote:
It is made of "reclaimed resources of wood fibers".

It was listed for $13.00 on a Petco web site.

I'm not sure how far it will go, it may last longer than shavings, or not, but I love the dust free aspect. It doesn't look any more appealing to peck and eat (to me) than wood shavings.

I get my chickens April 12th, so I'll be sure to post how it goes.

you can get stuff at far stores for like 4-8 bucks, and im not sure if that is ok for chicks...looks kinda wierd... does it have any hard wood in it?

 

[Carpe DiHen]

I think it could be any kind of wood, but nothing aromatic. I know people that use it for their hamsters and ginnea pigs with no problem. Say it is good as nesting material...

 

[fastpat]

Not to steal this thread, but here's a related question.

How often are folks changing out the wood shavings/chips? My chicks have been on the current Aspen chips for about a week now, still no smell, but I'm thinking of changing it out soon just for safety's sake. I have a large brooder area, about 4x5.5 feet.