How deep

[toyzbox]

How much bedding should be in the brooder? I know I'm going to put paper towels on top for the first few days. We were thinking maybe just put some old towels under the paper but if it's better to put real bedding, how deep should it be?

 

[CoopCrazy]

i put mine about two inches thick so i can turn it daily.. Keeps the smell down. And personelly I would'nt use the towels, they would be messy and would prob hold the ammonia...

 

[chickorama]

Around 2 or 2 and a half inches. That way the chicks can nestle up in it and stay warm. That's a no no on the towels.

 

[Peeplperson]

I'm brand new to this (7 new 5 day old chicks) but am finding that paper towel just around the waterer keeps the wood shavings out of the water. Otherwise I end up with a soupy mess.

 

[CoopCrazy]

Quote:
Good Point... I actually set my waterer on a plate... It kept trying to fall over with the pine shavings

 

[RendonRoo]

I put my waterer on a brick so they can't sling chips into it as easily. After about 2 weeks i raise it another brick high. Good Luck

 

[columbiacritter]

I use old cut up flannel sheets over the chips for the first week or so. I can change them daily and just soak them in a bucket of soapy water to get them clean enough to launder. With more than a few chicks I would got through a whole roll of papertowels a day!

 

[toyzbox]

I set up the brooder last night. I've read here that a few folks lost chicks because the feeder or water fell over on them. I can see why now. I'll get some blocks tonight to set them on.