Chicks are pecking at pine shavings when good is right there

[Zayan]

Hey everybody,

I have 5 chicks in this brooder. One 2 month old, and four 4 week old chicks. The small ones seem to be eating the pine shavings. I just switched to this feeder from a much smaller one. I did see them peck at the food but then left. Should I be concerned?

 

[A.M. Eggs]

Are you sure that they are eating the shavings and not just pecking at the ground for fallen food (for some reason, they prefer this)? The shaving won't hurt them unless that is ALL that they eat. The shavings could tear at their gizzards and stomachs.

 

[CluckerFamily]

They will scratch some feed out of the feeder depending on what you have set up. Then they will eat the feed on the ground.
If it is some pine shavings it’s okay.

 

[nuthatched]

The 2 month olds are too big for the brooder, in my opinion. I use puppy pads to prevent them eating their flooring.

 

[Zayan]

Are you sure that they are eating the shavings and not just pecking at the ground for fallen food (for some reason, they prefer this)? The shaving won't hurt them unless that is ALL that they eat. The shavings could tear at their gizzards and stomachs.

They have been pecking the food too so I don’t know. In your experience, do chicks peck the shavings, and what do you do about it?

 

[Zayan]

The 2 month olds are too big for the brooder, in my opinion. I use puppy pads to prevent them eating their flooring.

Yeah I agree but she it is winter and cold outside so I can’t put her in the coop

 

[Aapomp831]

Yeah I agree but she it is winter and cold outside so I can’t put her in the coop

If she is fully feathered she’s ready

 

[rosemarythyme]

It's normal for them to sample everything from dirt to bedding. Provide grit, they should be fine unless they're absolutely gorging on it.

 

[A.M. Eggs]

They have been pecking the food too so I don’t know. In your experience, do chicks peck the shavings, and what do you do about it?

They usually do peck at the shavings. It's instinct.