Chicks and bedding

[SpazzWhoElse]

Hello everyone, long time no see! So, chicken math hit us. I was getting 6 chicks, but by the time hubby was done shopping, we have 14 new brats in our flock So, I'm using pine shavings of course, but in running low, hubby says just use the hay we have for the big girls. I'm saying no. Can you clarify when it's ok for hay. We got them at rural king about 3 weeks ago so I'm not straight on their age, but they do fly out the bin if I leave the top open. I'm sure I'll have more questions as this is my first batch of little ones, but for now, thanks!

 

[Folly's place]

I don't use hay as bedding for my birds, find it too messy and hard to manage compared to the shavings. So, I'd still use shavings for the chicks.
Mary

 

[Homesteadermomma6382]

The only.place I use hay for my birds is in their laying nests. Wood shavings on puppy pads in the brooder. The puppy pads.make cleaning so much easier. And sinces you have 14 babies that is an awful lot of poop to clean!!! I have 13 in mine right now. I wouldnt want to try to clean that with hay. I also line the bottom of my coops with wood shavings. It absorbs liquid and stink way better

 

[SpazzWhoElse]

Thank you! Yes I'm on overload with 14 ugh. I had to separate the smallest 6 to a different bin cause the bigger ones are so hyper.