Feed store shopping list

[lcammack]

Just to throw something out there for you, we quit using shavings in our brooders, because they were constantly in the food and water. We started using bedding pellets. They are made of pine just like shavings, but they work 150 times better. The first week we just put that soft shelf liner stuff with the holes in it over the pellets, very good footing for the chicks and soft. Then once they know what is food and what isn't we take them out. You can buy the rolls at the dollar store or any home supply store. But back to the pellets. They are very inexpensive, because they last so long. One bag will fill a 4' x 4' brooder box and last for weeks. Just stir the pellets daily. They will break down into a very nice soft bedding, and when the pieces break down, they will not hurt the chicks if ingested because they are so small they just go through the system. Even after they break down, they continue to control odor and wetness. We use them in our chicken coops also, and with using a poop board (just search it) we have literally no smell, and no flies. I hope this helps, and best of luck with your new babies!

 

[RonC]

I buy the large flakes from TSC. Six dollars for eight cubic feet. The large flakes are too big for them to eat. Not trying to steer you in any direction on the feed but medicated feed only has Amprolium in it which is not an antibiotic. It basically causes the parasites to not receive the nutrition they need to survive. Chick feed is available in small bags that will last long enough for your order to arrive. If possible hang your feeder and water about the level of their backs to keep bedding and other stuff out. You can raise it as they grow.