I'm currently brooding chicks for the 6th time in two years and I've tried a variety of methods. With this batch of chicks, I did the usual "paper towel over wood chips" method that is so popular. After the first few days I found myself reluctant to remove the paper towels due to the memory of the feeders and waterers full of wood chips all the time (even when they are on elevated blocks). DS pointed out that as green as I try to be, here I was using paper towels and a light bulb went off. I went to the thrift store and got some old towels for pennies on the dollar and replaced the paper towel with cloth. When it needs to be cleaned, I take out a towel, put a new towel in the brooder, take the soiled one outside and shake to get the poop off, then put it in a pile in the laundry room. When I have enough poopy towels to do a small load in the washer, I can do them all together, rather than mix them with the family laundry. I am enjoying this SO much more than using wood chips. The food and water stay mostly clean and cleaning the brooder itself is easier too. I haven't found the downside yet.