Does anyone know what the best bedding for 1 day old chicks is?

[reveller]

I was under the impression that chicks under two weeks old can get splayed legs if newspaper, or other shiney surfaces are used. They also eat the sawdust. We use shavings but put sheets over the top to prevent them eating it. The sheets can be boiled and the shavings changed. Towels are another good idea but use smooth towels or put cotton sheets over so chicks can't peck the fibres.

 

[MoHillbilly62]

I use newspaper the first 5 days and then pine shavings. I change the newspaper 2xs a day, only reason I use paper is it is easier ( I think) for them to start out eating, I always sprinkle a little starter around the feeder.

 

[carolinasculpture]

Hi! I used sand and clover. Added fresh clover each day and cleaned the whole thing out each week. They had grit and had fun digging in the clover. Had used the pine chips in the past with no problems, but the clover and sand clean up well and don't get spread all around the house.

 

[nipper75]

Hi! I used sand and clover. Added fresh clover each day and cleaned the whole thing out each week. They had grit and had fun digging in the clover. Had used the pine chips in the past with no problems, but the clover and sand clean up well and don't get spread all around the house.

Clover? Do you grow it yourself?

 

[Reyort]

Our first batch he we used shavings, this batch we have now we use hay just because we had it. I think I like hay better. They get good traction and if they fall it is springy enough to absorb impact.