What is best to put at the bottom of the brooder. I put pine shavings but now I lost a couple of my chicks who are less than one week. Did I use the wrong bedding?
No. Pine bedding is preferred for the chicks Many people place paper towels down for the first few days. Sadly tho, sometimes no matter what we do, the little lovies pass on. Its not your fault with the bedding...its just something that sadly happens. I have always used pine shavings, and never had issues.
I agree. I used pine shaving with some paper towel under the food & water to try to keep them cleaner. I can't imagine that the pine shavings harmed your chicks.
Pine is fine after the first two days (once they learn what to eat). You do need to keep it totally dry to prevent chilling. Slightly raising the water to the level of their backs (be sure they all know its there and use it) will prevent some water spillage and putting a few rocks in the water to prevent drowning. If you use a narrow waterer they are less likely to be able step into the water and therefore stay dry. Chilling kills a lot of chicks. Sometimes a few chicks will die, its very sad but they have a pretty rough start if they are hatched in a big hatchery. The hatcheries send them down a bunch of various tubes/slides to get vaccinated and sorted as well as being sent through then mail. Using those electrolyte/vitamin booster gels the moment you get them can help get them on the right track. If you do your best with proper temperature, feed, water and keep them clean and dry there's not much else you can do --its then up to Mother Nature.
