Dirt as Brooder Substrate

[crveatch]

Has anyone tried this? I was thinking about going to get a pan of dirt for my chicks to play in when I said to myself, "Self, why not cover the whole bottom with dirt?". I build vivariums for frogs and with those we try to simulate the natural environment as closely as possible. I could just scoop the poop and throw it back in the yard. That's much more ideal to me than paper towels and shavings.

I have three options immediately available to me as far as dirt-type substrates and I'd be interested in hearing what you think would be best and why.

1. Common Dirt From the Backyard
2. Garden Soil Mix of Sifted Topsoil, Sand, Compost, and Manure
3. Coco Fiber

 

[bel]

Not seen it done for chicks but for mice so they could dig and also they planted birdseed by the waterbottles to take care of drips.

What people would do is buy organic potting soil, no chemicals, (the kind with no perlite or foam bits also.) then place it in the oven i glass trays and heat it up for a long time on low - medium heat to kill any bacteria. Potting soil is a little different than dirt though.

 

[ADozenGirlz]

Quote:
I've read about people using sand in their brooders many times on BYC. I think it's a great idea if you have the sand available. I've never heard of common backyard soil being used though. There's got to be a reason for that. I think sand is used b/c it drains well and is easy to clean.

 

[crveatch]

Quote:
That's why I was considering the Coco Fiber. It's natural, bacteria free and the consistency of fine dirt.

 

[UGAchick]

I don't really know about this, but am interested to hear what others think. I have plenty of dirt I could use! It seems so much easier, too....

 

[MN Chicken]

I wonder if using back yard dirt is risky because of the chance of disease or bacteria from wild birds being transferred. Maybe it is safe when they are adults because hey have bult up their immunities.

 

[crveatch]

Quote:
That definitely seems reason enough not to use outside dirt. I think I'm going to try coco fiber. I hydrated some earlier and am baking it now to dry it out.

brick of coco fiber dry & wet

 

[crveatch]

Well the chicken vivarium is under way. I added coco fiber to the floor, straw to the nest box, and rocks under the waterer to help keep things dry.

The Polish got awfully upset with me. She peeped loudly and pecked at the Dorking's feet for an hour. Both are scratching and chirping happily now.

Tomorrow I'm going to look into adding a roost.

 

[shinylizardwing]

Coco fiber is toxic to dogs and cats . I know chocolate is toxic to parrots; I'd be leery of my chicks ingesting it. They do look like super happy chicks though!!!

(P.S. Yay Portland!)

 

[crveatch]

Quote:
Portland Rules!

Coco fiber is made from coconut husks and is completely non-toxic. It is not the same as Cocoa Mulch that comes from cocoa beans. So I'm safe as far as toxicity.