Cage floor covering for new chicks

[LesGan]

New to all of this, first time broody hen with 3 eggs, "due" this weekend, brooding in nesting box. I have a wire cage that I have constructed that I can place right next to the nesting box when the chickies hatch that will let her come off the nest with them, room for food and waters. This allows her to stay in the main chicken house with the other 2 hens and roo....I am not sure of their reaction to "intruders" in their space. My question is what material do I need to put on the floor of the cage? I have constructed cage so that I can swing the top open to tend to them and let them out when the others are outside in their run or farther away in their "chicken corral". All of you folks are incredible and I could not have made it this far without your wonderful support....this is all just too much fun!! Thanks so much, Leslie

 

[suebee]

I would put either newspaper or cardboard on the bottom, then pine shavings on top of that. They need something soft to stand on so they won't get spraddle legs. Pine bedding works great. Don't use cedar shavings.

 

[musson]

I was told not to use newspaper because to chicks it is very slippery and can damage their legs.

 

[elmo]

I've tried a bunch of different things. I didn't like the pine shavings because it was hard to contain and messy ...plus I was constantly worried about the chicks pecking and consuming it.

I've also tried putting an old towel on the bottom of the brooder but I have to wash those, which is a pain.

I like paper towels the best. I can roll up the paper towel with the poop inside to dispose of several times a day.

I only have five chicks, so this might not work so well for more.

 

[suebee]

Quote:
Poster said she has a wire cage. She can put newspaper on the bottom, cover newspaper with shavings.