Brooder bedding material

[SDOH]

We have made it to three weeks with our first ever round of 5 chicks. I have to admit, they are a joy to watch and quite entertaining. Now that they are growing, so too is the dust mess and the smells from the brooder. I started out using puppy pads for the first week and then shredded brown paper bedding from Chewy's. I cannot imagine anything more dusty than the latter - but, what do I know? Nevertheless, I am searching for a "least dusty" bedding to use inside for the next 1-2 weeks. All recommendations of brand and where to purchase will be welcomed.

 

[nuthatched]

Any reason why they can't be moved out to the coop yet?

 

[SDOH]

Any reason why they can't be moved out to the coop yet?

I wish, but unfortunately, yes. We are mid massive landscaping renovation in the backyard. This will not be completed until a few more weeks. Argh.....

 

[nuthatched]

I wish, but unfortunately, yes. We are mid massive landscaping renovation in the backyard. This will not be completed until a few more weeks. Argh.....

Rats.
At 3 weeks, I'd recommend wood shavings. Most of the dust is actually from them.

 

[WildNectarine]

Rats.
At 3 weeks, I'd recommend wood shavings. Most of the dust is actually from them.

Wood shavings are bad for any bird, because of the scent oils they contain, this was told to me by my avian vet for my quail, and birds don’t naturally walk on all this fluffy, puffy stuff, they don’t like it. Pee pads or flat paper massage table sheets, changed daily, with exercise mats below for proper foot support, are the way to go for any indoor ground bird. And, always have an air purifier running even if they’re only inside for a few hours.

 

[SDOH]

Rats.
At 3 weeks, I'd recommend wood shavings. Most of the dust is actually from them.

Fingers crossed that the landscapers finish this work soon!!!

 

[SDOH]

Wood shavings are bad for any bird, because of the scent oils they contain, this was told to me by my avian vet for my quail, and birds don’t naturally walk on all this fluffy, puffy stuff, they don’t like it. Pee pads or flat paper massage table sheets, changed daily, with exercise mats below for proper foot support, are the way to go for any indoor ground bird. And, always have an air purifier running even if they’re only inside for a few hours.

 

[SDOH]

Good to know. I have two XL boxes of puppy pee pads so this could work. I am somewhat concerned about them pecking away, shredding them, and eating the plastic backing.

We already had an air purifier in the space so we are good on that front.

 

[WildNectarine]

Good to know. I have two XL boxes of puppy pee pads so this could work. I am somewhat concerned about them pecking away, shredding them, and eating the plastic backing.

We already had an air purifier in the space so we are good on that front.

Awesome! I wouldn’t worry much about them shredding or eating it; my quail will peck at their paper just to move it around because they’re curious, and because they love pooping off the paper and making me clean it up! Especially if you’re changing it every day. Wood shavings are actually easier for them to eat! Get a large bird bath dish, I use the 20” one from Wild Birds Unlimited, or a large plant saucer, making sure it’s got smooth edges as not to cut their feet, when I used those, I sanded mine down, or even a boot tray, and give them a big pile of dirt from wherever their run’s going to be, and they’ll go crazy playing in it and eating that, that they’ll ignore the pads, and get used to the natural bacteria there, but have Corid on hand!