bedding --is it the right kind?

[tankernav1]

So I'm such a perfectionist everything is driving me nuts!

I've been using towels for the chicks bedding for the first 2 weeks. They are doing great with it, we change the towel once a day. Although now that the poop is bigger it is getting dirtier more often. I'm thinking of switching to the pine shavings. I bought a big bag last month from a family run farm store and they told me it was pine shavings. I just looked at it and all is says is Pestell softwood shavings. So..will this be ok? I know I am not supposed to use cedar so now I'm freaked out that they sold me this huge amount of bedding I won't be able to use! Thanks for advice!

 

[Southernbelle]

Sounds like they're ready for shavings. When I brooded them, I only used paper towels for 2 days, then they went right on the shavings. Now that I hatch under a broody, they end up on shavings right away.

I'd probably use the shavings. Cedar is the only thing we're supposed to avoid.

 

[chels23]

They are old enough to take out the paper towels. A lot of people use pine shavings for the floor of their coop. You are right though no cedar. Have you taken any of the shavings you bought out of the bag?

 

[Omran]

Yeb your good to go, use it and don't worry, they will be just fine.

good luck

Omran

 

[tankernav1]

Thanks. I just contacted the company directly and this is what he said:

Hi,
Yes it is all softwood,pine, spruce and fir.There is no cedar. You should be okay.

 

[tankernav1]

I actually use old bath towels in the brooder right now---not paper towels.

 

[fairladi_chick]

how about news paper as long as it dont cost more than the paper towels,, especially if you get free weekly paper in the mail every week!?

 

[Judy]

Lots of people use shredded newspaper, but it can be slick and cause leg problems if not shredded.

If there were cedar shavings in the bag of shavings, I believe you would be able to smell it, at least if it were in any quantity. I'd use the wood shavings.