HELP

[Beour3rd]

so this is my first time raising chicks from day olds on my own, i was used to broody hens which raised them.

ive got two issues which i need help with please asap.


#1 i change the floor twice a day (cardboard) and i cant do more than that as i work, what do people use? the poop seems to get caught on their feet and kind of clump up...

i've tried shredded paper but the chicks eat it which i cant have, and im not sure what to do? i have wood chips but wont they just eat that too?

now i ask this because one of the chicks looks like he lost a claw, this was one of my healthiest chicks and im not impressed, looks like he was cleaning his own feet and took his claw right out? he's bleeding all over .. what do i do!?!?! i

#2 ive read that their bums can get bunged up by drying on the feathers above and below the bum, then the chicks can die. so ive been cleaning them. when can i be sure this wont happen anymore???

 

[red horse ranch]

so this is my first time raising chicks from day olds on my own, i was used to broody hens which raised them.

ive got two issues which i need help with please asap.


#1 i change the floor twice a day (cardboard) and i cant do more than that as i work, what do people use? the poop seems to get caught on their feet and kind of clump up...

i've tried shredded paper but the chicks eat it which i cant have, and im not sure what to do? i have wood chips but wont they just eat that too?

now i ask this because one of the chicks looks like he lost a claw, this was one of my healthiest chicks and im not impressed, looks like he was cleaning his own feet and took his claw right out? he's bleeding all over .. what do i do!?!?! i

#2 ive read that their bums can get bunged up by drying on the feathers above and below the bum, then the chicks can die. so ive been cleaning them. when can i be sure this wont happen anymore???

#1 I use old towels as bedding until they are around 2 weeks old. Then they are moved to the big brooder which has pine chips on the floor.

#2 Pasty butt is usually only a problem for the first week or so.

 

[3riverschick]

so this is my first time raising chicks from day olds on my own, i was used to broody hens which raised them.

ive got two issues which i need help with please asap.


#1 i change the floor twice a day (cardboard) and i cant do more than that as i work, what do people use? the poop seems to get caught on their feet and kind of clump up...

i've tried shredded paper but the chicks eat it which i cant have, and im not sure what to do? i have wood chips but wont they just eat that too?

Hi Beour3rd

Go to the Dollar General store and buy the heavier weight of the waffle wav drawer liner. Lay it down in one layer. The lighter weight is a dollar cheaper but the chicks seem to scratch into folds instead of laying flat. Great stuff, can be washed and dried. Gives the chicks good gripping surface.

now i ask this because one of the chicks looks like he lost a claw, this was one of my healthiest chicks and im not impressed, looks like he was cleaning his own feet and took his claw right out? he's bleeding all over .. what do i do!?!?! i
can't help you there but we do have a special "injuries" thread.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/10/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures
#2 ive read that their bums can get bunged up by drying on the feathers above and below the bum, then the chicks can die. so ive been cleaning them. when can i be sure this wont happen anymore??? Is your brooder too hot? That can cause "pasty butt" Maybe lower the temp a bit.
Best,
Karen in western PA

 

[andreanar]

I use pine shavings with paper towels over them for the first week or so then remove the paper towels.

As for the bleeding claw,I would say you should try to stop the bleeding with styptic powder or flour even.

I checked the peeps vents every day for the first week and a half and only cleaned butts with a warm wet cloth if anything was stuck there.

 

[Beour3rd]

#1 I use old towels as bedding until they are around 2 weeks old. Then they are moved to the big brooder which has pine chips on the floor.

#2 Pasty butt is usually only a problem for the first week or so.

what do you do with the towels? throw them out??

and thanks about pasty butt. ive notice its getting better only two of the smaller chicks still need cleaning. so thats good.

 

[Beour3rd]

As for the bleeding claw,I would say you should try to stop the bleeding with styptic powder or flour even.

great idea . i dont have stypic powder but i do have flour!

 

[Beour3rd]

the brooder being too hot is such a tricky question, its super cold at night, so i have the light at a certain height, but then during the day i raise it, but it is hard to monitor.. as im at work

 

[afritz26]

I use clothes we have all outgrown and just throw them out after, with 4 kids we have a lot hahah! I will also use paper towels.

 

[coffeychicks]

I use puppy training pads and sand.

 

[red horse ranch]

what do you do with the towels? throw them out??

and thanks about pasty butt. ive notice its getting better only two of the smaller chicks still need cleaning. so thats good.

The towels are changed every few days. I shake off all the poop and then throw them in the washer with detergent and bleach.
I will raise around 300 chicks and keets this year and I would run out of towels very quickly if I threw them out.