Brooder with not shavings?

[Esrun]

Is it possible to raise chicks inside without shavings? We are going to get some chicks but I think my timeline of getting them in June won’t work due to a planned vacation. I need them old enough to integrate and be safely with the flock by then. So I think we are looking at needing to have them by the end of April. It’s too cold here (CT) in April to keep them in the garage. I have a spare bedroom but can we line the brooder with puppy pads? I saw someone doing that but I’m not sure if it’s ok given they could eat it please help me figure out how to do it inside

 

[nuthatched]

I use puppy pads, they can't eat them since they can't tear them.

 

[Esrun]

I use puppy pads, they can't eat them since they can't tear them.

Ok. Thanks! We are looking at six or less. How often do you change them?

 

[StinkyAcres]

Ok. Thanks! We are looking at six or less. How often do you change them?

I change brooder bedding every couple days or so.

 

[WoDia]

Puppy pads are a better choice. Then you’re primarily dealing with chick fluff dust instead of that AND dust from the shavings. Plus, you won’t have to worry about them sampling the shavings.

 

[Esrun]

Puppy pads are a better choice. Then you’re primarily dealing with chick fluff dust instead of that AND dust from the shavings. Plus, you won’t have to worry about them sampling the shavings.

Do they make a lot of fluff dust?

 

[WoDia]

Not at first. But, when they begin that practice flying, look out! Seriously, in my personal experience, the first week or two (depending on the number of chicks), it’s not that bad. I have winter hatches on occasion and keep the brooder in the utility room with an air purifier running 24/7.

 

[Ocho 8 Farm]

Is it possible to raise chicks inside without shavings? We are going to get some chicks but I think my timeline of getting them in June won’t work due to a planned vacation. I need them old enough to integrate and be safely with the flock by then. So I think we are looking at needing to have them by the end of April. It’s too cold here (CT) in April to keep them in the garage. I have a spare bedroom but can we line the brooder with puppy pads? I saw someone doing that but I’m not sure if it’s ok given they could eat it please help me figure out how to do it inside

Like the others have said, I too use puppy pads. However, the chicks still need a clean spot so what I do is line the brooder with the puppy pads and then paper towels on top of that. Then about twice a day i just keep layering the clean paper towels. I do this for about 3 days and then change everything out completely and start with fresh puppy pads.

 

[nuthatched]

Ok. Thanks! We are looking at six or less. How often do you change them?

Depends on how many chicks. But it makes it easy to monitor poops, no dust, absorbent in case water spills.

 

[Esrun]

This is great, and I do have an air purifier