Ducklings eating shavings?

[smonkeySK]

I went with grippy lino in the end - easier to clean and I don't have to worry why the bedding seems to be disappearing!
That said my Campbell duckling ate loads before I made the switch and she's still mighty stupid but alive and kicking

 

[loves2smile65]

Yeah the towels are getting too wet! I plan on moving them to the bathtub in the next few days. Will grippy lino work in there? Thanks for making me relax a bit!

 

[smonkeySK]

I don't know about a bathtub! Mines cast so I'd be worried about them getting cold - plus you'd have to wall off the back off the tub or they'll be slipping down it when they attempt the climb - and they will attempt it! Even grippy lino won't help on a 45 degree angle!

I used this setup for mine:
Lino floor with a garden cold frame over the top - I'll post pics when I get home but it really helped with getting the babies used to us as they could always see us walking round.

 

[loves2smile65]

Looking forward to the pictures! Well my Rubbermaid tote lasted all of one day and it was too messy! So I decided to put them in the tub for now. My tub is porcelain, with no sloping back and not really worried about them getting cold considering it has been over 100 degrees here. I'm going to try wood shavings again tomorrow with paper towels over it as someone recommended. Not easy being a first time mommy

 

[smonkeySK]

Snuggled up with her chicken buddies


Most of the stuff was taken out or replaced due to mess, but it served us well for a few weeks
Heat lamp was hung from frame in such a way that sides were forced away from the bulb.
Though if you are in the 100s where you are I expect your (very cute btw

) babies would melt in my set up, with or without a lamp!

I'm sure they'll be fine in the tub, it's a good space from the look of it. But I wouldn't want to be the one cleaning it out before your own bath time!!

You'll find setups are fairly fluid things as you hatch more and more cunning plans to contain the overflowing tide of yuk. But it's all good fun along the road of ducky madness.
Spend as much time as you can with them and it will pay dividends by the time they're adults - it's hard work but over before you know it; so make the most of it!

 

[loves2smile65]

What a great set up smonkeySK! The babies are doing much better today and then pan with wire has helped a lot!! Thanks again for all of your help and support

 

[AlohaDuck]

IMO, I'd stay away from shavings for several reasons:

1. For newly born baby ducks they can and do confuse the shavings for food. No good.
2. A lot of shavings are processed and chemically treated. The heat from the brooder light releases fumes.
3. Depending on the shaving (cuts) they can be a splinter nightmare for their feet.
4. A lot of shavings have a lot of dust, which is not good for their respiratory system and can cause problems.

Overall just too risky and not worth the risk. At the end of the day the choice is up to the momma or pappa to do as they please

My vote would be, No to shavings.