Brooder question, pine shavings and puppy pads.

[nine9d]

Hey all, MY CHICKIES ARE COMING NEXT WEEK!!!!

So sorry for yelling, I am sooooo excited. I have a big cardboard box for my newly coming day olds, and I was thinking of placing down pine shavings and then putting wee-wee pads on top of them. My thought process was more so for adding some cushion to only putting down wee-wee pads on the cardboard. Is there any problems with doing this as I haven't seen this question asked. Thank you.

 

[Spartan22]

I share your excitement, it’s been my 5th year yet I feel like it just my first. I even almost gave away some pink cigars when 14 of my 15 eggs hatched. First time from my own flock.
Your wee wee pads (LOL) is not necessary, pine shavings alone should be fine though some people use it alone when the chicks just hatched a day or 2 but not over the shavings.

 

[paneubert]

Like @Spartan22 said, pads over shavings doesn't make sense. If you are doing both, put the pads down first and then add shavings. Does your box have a floor? If so, the pads under the shavings could be a benefit if you plan to clean it out occasionally versus just adding more shavings on top until they are ready to go out to the coop. Otherwise the box bottom could become poopy and gross over time, even with shavings on top. In my brooder, I just use pee pads for about a week, then switch over to shavings on top of pads. I do this because my brooder does not have a floor and is on an old kitchen table. So I have to line the bottom with something. Might as well be pee pads.

 

[nine9d]

My box does have a bottom, I did just read that someone had did it that way, so it had me thinking and to ask you all here.

 

[paneubert]

Pads on top of shavings just makes me imagine it being like walking on a trampoline or water bed. You know what I mean? All squishy. Although I guess just shavings would feel similar.

 

[usmcpilot06]

all ya really need is the pine shavings, they will last for months. I take a fine piece of fence, with 1/2 inch holes and use it as SIFT EVERY COUPLE WEEKS.. Use a 5gallon bucket and cath the finer stuff, use it for compost, then put the bigger stuff back in.

 

[Folly's place]

I use pine shavings, and add some every few days, to keep things better. My chicks usually go out to a separate area in the coop at about three weeks of age, with their heat lamp. Then it's more pine shavings, and grit, and plants from the yard. It will be less chilly by later April, I hope!
Mary

 

[nine9d]

Thanks so much everyone!

 

[Rosebuttons]

Thanks for this question, I was hoping to use puppy pads too, I'm bringing my chicks home today!

 

[City girl Philly]

I just got my 4 chicks on Saturday so I feel your excitement!! I have been lining the bottom with paper towels and then I put a non-slip shelf liner on top of that. I also made a mama heating pad. Day 3, so far so good!