Cage Lining

[JScatt69]

Hello!
I know that most everyone uses pine shavings to line the bottom of brooders etc. Is there any reason why sheets of newspaper can't be used? Thanks!!

 

[Ridgerunner]

The risk with newspaper is that it is slick. The chicks can slip and dislocate their legs, a condition called spraddle leg. Not each and every chick raised on newspaper will get this, but it is a real risk. You can do a search on here for spraddle leg for details. I've never experienced it so I have not researched it and really don't know the fine details.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Paper towels are a better option than newspaper and will give the chicks more traction. Chicks don't have very strong muscles at first and have a little more trouble balancing, too. When you watch them at first, they have to kind of brace themselves to stand up some of the time, especially when resting. Paper towels are also more absorbent than newspaper. It's good to use them over or in place of shavings for at least the first few days to a week, so the chicks don't eat the shavings. You could also use them over newspaper at first.

Chicks don't poo that much when they are tiny, but they grow very fast. As they get much larger, the shavings really do a much better job at keeping the smell down. They have a much greater surface area than a sheet of paper.

 

[Dogfish]

I have construction paper under the shavings. Keeps the wood underneath cleaner, and makes cleaning a breeze since it is sturdy. It is the paper used to protect wood floors after they are layed while construction is still going on.