flooring or bedding or whatever you would call it

[doghamstyluv95]

ok well we are just preparing for the chicks that are coming in another 2 weeks(TOO LONG!!)

and i just wanted to know if i could put this under their feet in the brooder: http://www.petco.com/Shop/petco_Pro..._26+100+30+5777_sku_592773_familyID_8850.aspx

or this :http://www.petco.com/Shop/petco_Pro...v_234_N_26+100_sku_435490_familyID_14998.aspx

 

[Picco]

That bedding will work great for your chicks once they're a little older. Start out with paper towels (not newspaper because its too slippery). These allow for good absorption and won't be eaten. After your chicks learn what food is you can switch to the pine shavings. I do this when they are about a week old. if you put it in right away you may have problems with the chicks eating it. I also recommend airing out the bedding before putting it in the brooder. I lay it out on a tray for a few hours. The strong scent comes from oils that can be dangerous to birds if they are strong.

Another word of advice - check out your local feed store, tractor supply, or even walmart, you can get pine shavings for a lot less there.

 

[doghamstyluv95]

ok well ill try walmart but i dont have a local feed store or farm supply store. im smack in the middle of a busy city:/

 

[joanna]

my local KMart carries pine bedding and it's cheaper than the feed store.

has anyone used pine mulch? that's readily available and pretty cheap...any opinions?

 

[nassyjs]

go to a local farm or nursery and get white pine shavings. It is so much cheaper then pet-co. I think I pay $6 for a 50 lbs bag!

 

[aran]

yeppers im using the $6 bag of pine shavings from tractor supply co...HUGE bag will last forever. I have that on the bottom with papertowels over the top...clean up is generally real easy...just roll the papertowels up with all the "dirt"
etc on it and throw it away--> check the pine shavings for any wet/dirty areas and replace, then put fresh paper towels down...whole thing takes less than 5 mins.

 

[Southern28Chick]

Quote:
Pine shavings is better than pine mulch. The shavings are the wood and it soaks up wetness better. Pine mulch is bark (either shredded or nuggets) and won't absorb moisture.

Can you tell I used to work for a mulch company?!