Cleanup after hatching - ideas?

[Jenski]

I know some folks use paper cartons for hatching to help with cleanup. I also read a university ag site that suggested some sort of cheesecloth liner for classroom hatching, but I wondered if little feet might get caught up in it. Has anyone used something like this, or do you have other ideas that might help with the mess of hatching? I will be moving eggs to a Hovabator 1588 for hatching . . . I have about 10 days to think about it.

Thanks!

 

[Buster]

I've never used the cheesecloth but the egg cartons in the HB work great for me. Clean up is super easy. How big are the holes in the cheese cloth? The chicks' feet don't get caught in the wire mesh on the bottom of the HB so I don't think they would have any problems.

 

[bigredfeather]

I saw a picture on here where somebody was using that rubbery shelf liner. I thought it was such a great idea, I'm going to do it myself. I will take a picture and post it later today. I will be moving some eggs into it tonight.

 

[Buster]

Quote:
Let me know how that goes. I'd like to try it if it goes well for you.

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

I use shop towels in the bottom. After the hatch I throw them in the washer.

 

[pegasuschick]

Someone said they used puppy pads on top of the wire grate. Anyone else use these? I wonder too if the chicks have toe nails that might get caught.
Gina

 

[Jenski]

These are all good ideas. My only worry with that shelf liner is whether it can take 100 degrees and not give off any chemicals or anything. Not sure what it is made of. I would be glad to hear from folks who use it successfully!

The puppy pads sound good too - but are they breathable?

 

[Katy]

Quote:
Let me know how that goes. I'd like to try it if it goes well for you.

I always use that liner under my cartons. Makes clean up even easier.

 

[playingchicken]

Quote:
I wouldn't think the shelf liner would be too affected by the heat. After all, it gets that hot or hotter in the summer some places.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

I've used the non-slip liners. They work really well. No problems with them and the heat and it gives the chicks a good safe surface to stand on in their first wobbly attempts.