Digging?

[SmartChicken123]

I have 5 production red chicks and they like to make holes in the shredded newspaper in their brooder, is this normal? And is there anyway I can stop it?

 

[DwayneNLiz]

I have 5 production red chicks and they like to make holes in the shredded newspaper in their brooder, is this normal? And is there anyway I can stop it?

how old are they?

they are 'digging' to churn up the earth to find new food, normal chicken behavior
also why i dont like to lmulch my gardens

 

[SmartChicken123]

They are 2 weeks old.

 

[DwayneNLiz]

They are 2 weeks old.

yep, very normal, i would switch out the newspaper for shavings
unless you havea paper shredder you can put it through

just so you know newspaper is very slippery and unsafe for newly hatched chicks, it can cause many leg injuries


Good luck with your chicks!!!

 

[SmartChicken123]

It's all shredded newspaper

 

[DwayneNLiz]

It's all shredded newspaper

great!

i use paper towels until my chicks are 1-2 weeks old then switch to shavings

 

[SmartChicken123]

Do you think leaves would work better or should i just keep using shredded newspaper?

 

[DwayneNLiz]

Do you think leaves would work better or should i just keep using shredded newspaper?

if its shredded an you dont see any sign of leg injuries you would be fine, but they may love some leave to play in!!

 

[SmartChicken123]

Okay! Thank you!

 

[JennaMW14]

Agree, totally normal!
Good Luck!