Hello from CT!

[andrealeec]

Hello everyone!! I am new to chickens, and will be getting my 6 Rhode Island Red's this week. I am so excited! I have prepared the brooder (large rubbermaid container), with newspaper and shavings, have the feeder and waterer, got my medicated chick starter feed, got my heat lamp and 2 infrared heat bulbs, and a thermometer. And 2 books on raising chickens. I am learning more everyday with all the information on this site! One question though (probably of many that I will have as they start to grow)...I could only find pine/spruce/fir mix. Will that be ok for them because I know cedar is a no-no. Thank you in advance!! -Andrea

 

[Chickie Mamma]

from CT too!

I use pine shavings, but don't know about the "mix".. Yes, cedar is a no-no.
Have fun!

 

[4-H chicken mom]

and

from Ohio. So glad you joined. It should be OK, I wouldn't use the newspaper over the litter, instead use paper towels or old bath towel. Newspaper is too slippery and can cause leg issues.

 

[Higins00]

Welcome! Congrats on being a new chicken Mom. Here is a link to a very helpful and fun chicken meet up group in Ct.

http://www.meetup.com/Chickens1/

Sounds like your all ready. As far as I know your shaving are ok. I buy the big bag at agway for horses.

 

[andrealeec]

Thanks for the info! I was actually going to use the newspaper under the litter so maybe it will be easier to clean up, but i could just do without it. There is still SO MUCH to learn!

 

[Higins00]

I hatch my own and the first 2 days I have newspaper down and paper towel on top of it. I put little piles of food on the ground for them to scratch and peck at. After they get the idea of eating and drinking I put down shavings over newspaper. When cleaning it is easier to dump out with the newspaper. You will have to figure out what works for you.

 

[dawg53]

Welcome to BYC.

 

[Luckytaz]

Welcome, from Minnesota.

 

[Bantimna]

from South Africa!

 

[purplequeenvt]

Hi from VT!