Flooring base for chicks

[casper324]

I had a chick die this am who was healthy and running around fine hours before. When I picked her up I noticed a shaving in her mouth and tried to pull it out with no luck. I have always used horse shavings on the floor of the coop with no problem. My gut tells me this chick choked to death on the shaving because I could not pull it out of her mouth. Was this a freak thing or should I use play sand?

 

[chickknight]

I would'nt recommend either. Chicks like tohave small stones in their crop to help with digestion. I have seen many critters die because of shavings from hamsters to chicks. They cut their feet on shavings and get infections. I prefer to use corn cob, it is corn bits that have been dried out to be like little pebbles. It works great because chicks can eat it with no harm to them, and they can take baths in it, I call them corn baths

, itis also helpful because when it gets wet it expands, and it sticks to the poo so the chicks dont step in it and get dirty. You can also use paper towels beause they won't slip, but I don't like it because its smelly and the chicks cn step in the poo and get all gross. Hope this helps good luck with the chicks
P.S. The brand is called Corn Cob

 

[Backyard Bob]

I ordered about 20 chicks from Country Hatchery, and they sent me a letter telling me not to use Wood Shavings in the brooder until the chicks are three days old. It stated that they would eat them in the first three days until they found the feed.

 

[bj taylor]

I had forgotten about this. my last chicks were a little older so this wasn't an issue. when I got my first chicks, they were brand new. I put puppy pads down over pine shavings. I was able to change the pad out easily & it helped keep things clean. they are rough enough you don't have to worry about them slipping & injuring their legs.