Hardware cloth floor - shavings fall through - what to do?

[Engteacher]

I built a 4X8 brooder for my 3 week old chicks and they're lovin' it. Problem is, they like digging in the pine shavings and all the shavings are dropping on to the garage floor. I'm NOT lovin' it. I don't want them walking on the hardware cloth directly because I understand that it can be hard on their feet. Is there another bedding I can use? Is there something I can put between the hardware cloth and the bedding to keep the bedding in?

I thought of newspaper, cardboard, and an old tablecloth. Not sure what would be best to solve the problem.

Anyone?

 

[HorseFeathers]

Try some old linoleum on top of the hardware cloth.

 

[merryberry]

I like your idea of cardboard.

 

[teach1rusl]

Depends on how "green" you want to be. Some use old towels so that can be shook out, washed, and reused (no bedding needed). I'd probably use cardboard myself, covered in the pine shavings