Brooder bedding question re: puppy pads/paper towels--slick just like newspaper??

[texsuze]

Lots of folks seem to be using puppy pads over some other bedding material to start with, in their brooders. Also some use paper towels. If newspapers are a no-no, aren't the p. pads and p. towels just as slick for chicks to navigate? Wouldn't there be potential for splayed legs on those surfaces, too? I understand the advantages for clean-up and preventing ingestion of shavings, but wondering about those two coverings vs. just a shallow layer of shavings, or even sand. Thoughts anyone?

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Lots of folks seem to be using puppy pads over some other bedding material to start with, in their brooders. Also some use paper towels. If newspapers are a no-no, aren't the p. pads and p. towels just as slick for chicks to navigate? Wouldn't there be potential for splayed legs on those surfaces, too? I understand the advantages for clean-up and preventing ingestion of shavings, but wondering about those two coverings vs. just a shallow layer of shavings, or even sand. Thoughts anyone?

I use puppy pads until my chicks are about two weeks old, then I switch over to large flake pine shavings. Super easy clean up.
They have a textured, slightly rough surface which gives plenty of grip for small chicken feet. They are not at all slick like newspaper. I’ve never had any problems with splayed legs or similar issues using these.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Puppy pads have a textured surface (or else dogs wouldn't really want to use them either), and same with paper towels.

That said, I just go with large flake shavings or I've done shavings over paper towels. I also offer some grit from the time I get them (at 2-3 days old) as I know chicks will eat some shavings, even if I get the coarsest flakes available.

 

[Weeg]

I use either large flake shavings, or pelleted animal bedding for their whole chickhoods. I've never had any issues.
I would probably use puppy pads over paper towels though. Just because they're more absorbent, and will last a bit longer in the pen.

 

[kurby22]

I have been super happy with the puppy pads as well and find them to provide great grip for their tiny little toes. One thing I do after week 2 is add shavings on top of the puppy pads (I buy the XL size). Once the shavings reach the “need to replace” stage, I am able to roll up the shavings inside the puppy pad and toss it all! I find it increases the longevity of the brooder too, by absorbing most of the wetness and messes made by the little troublemakers!

 

[Clodill4rel]

Puppy pads till a few weeks I use industrial hemp as our coop bedding ; )

 

[texsuze]

Thanks, all! I have plenty of both puppy pads and large flake shavings already on hand.

 

[junior67]

I just used the pine pellet bedding from day one with my chicks last year. I loved it and am using it again this year.

 

[Devorah]

Puppy pads have a textured surface (or else dogs wouldn't really want to use them either), and same with paper towels.

That said, I just go with large flake shavings or I've done shavings over paper towels. I also offer some grit from the time I get them (at 2-3 days old) as I know chicks will eat some shavings, even if I get the coarsest flakes available.

Can I use in the brooder the regular pine shavings I intend to put in the coop? Also, do you keep the paper towels under the shavings until the chickens go in the coop?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Can I use in the brooder the regular pine shavings I intend to put in the coop?

I do suggest larger flake for chicks, until they're at least old enough to not eat a lot of shavings. But many people brood on pine shavings of any size.

Also, do you keep the paper towels under the shavings until the chickens go in the coop?

I no longer use paper towels with chicks. That was just indoors (when I was brooding in a bath tub!) for easier clean up. I now brood outdoors so chicks are on the run floor, with extra shavings on top just to make it softer.