Chicks Bedding

[harmesonfarm]

Getting our new chicks for this spring next week...
Just curious what everyone thinks is the best bedding for chicks and why?

We have used many different kinds in the past but I am curious to see what and why everyone else uses?

Thoughts on using sand? I know there is a risk that they eat too much...but could it not just be taken like "grit" then?

Excited for our new breeds we'll be adding - Astralorps and Barnevelders

 

[Beer can]

Nobody likes what I use cause it is NOT recommended.
I just use newspaper for yrs now , free and easy to clean up, just fold it all up and toss, and I don't have to worry about chicks eating what they're not supposed to.
I've used it for many broods of chicks with no probs but is not recommended by most cause the chicks can injure themselves if the surface is slippery.
I throw plenty of feed around (and the chicks do also) so they don't have a slick surface anyway.

If I was to use something different, I think they are puppy pee pads? They look like they'd work good?

 

[Folly's place]

I use the fine shavings, not the very course ones. Puppy pee pads work well, and paper towels can be good for a very short time. I have also used newspaper (not the colored ads or shiny stuff) and it's worked for me.
Mary

 

[ben0125]

Deep layer of pine shavings

 

[harmesonfarm]

I have gone with shavings this time, as i have that already on hand now. When I picked them up this was the bedding material as well, so I thought I'd keep it familiar.

I have also used newspapers in the past but found it messy so I haven't since. Glad to know its worked fine for others.

Still curious about the sand though, perhaps I will try next time.

 

[JedJackson]

I use old towels, weighted at the corners of the box. They keep things warm and keep the chicks from slipping. And they're easily cleaned in the washer when they get dirty.

 

[harmesonfarm]

I use old towels, weighted at the corners of the box. They keep things warm and keep the chicks from slipping. And they're easily cleaned in the washer when they get dirty.

Yes, I have used towels with success as well.
I usually save these for the ducklings though as I have found this the best for them and their puddle makings!