Does anyone elses chicks eat their paper towel bedding?

[EdistoChicks]

My chicks (6 day old) have decided it is fun to eat thie paper towel bedding. Is this dangerous? Now that one did it I can't get them to stop.

 

[Hollywood Chickens]

Mine never did that so IDK

 

[chickerdoodle]

Six days old--you may want to change the substrate. I'd say try Aspen or Pine shavings but don't know if they'd eat that too! Are they eating enough chick starter? Could the chick food gotten moldy from their water? You also might want to leave out some chick grit to munch on just in case they ate too much of the paper towels. Hopefully a more experienced person will chime in

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[EdistoChicks]

I can't tell if they are really trying to eat it or just tear it up. One will tear a piece and the others will chase them around the brooder. They play keep away until they get bored, which lasts a LONG time! It is cute to watch, I just don't want them sick.

 

[Hollywood Chickens]

it sounds like they are bored

give them some treats like a cut apple or crasins (ocean spray brand, they don't like other brands)

 

[EdistoChicks]

They probably are bored. My kidswent to bed and they have been playing chase the twistie all day. The kids make a "worm" out of twist ties and put it on the outside of the brooder and all the chickens chase it back & forth and try and peck at it. It is hilarious to watch!

 

[chickerdoodle]

Boredom--yes that sounds like it! Give them a few crickets and sit back and watch the fun! Be sure to give them chick grit though if you feed anything other than starter (not adult grit and NO calcium additives). A few parrot toys can be fun too just as long as they are the right size in order for them not to get caught in anything. Most parrot toys are safe as parrots chew and play pretty rough with them. A little roost would be fun for them too