How long to use paper towels?

[Meesh]

Hi,

My chicks are 3 weeks old & still brooded on newspaper and paper towels with some pine chips on top. Do they still need the paper towels? They sure like to dig it all up. Can I use just newspaper and pine chips? The new game is 'shred the newspaper' & run around peeping with the shred.

Also - they like to scratch & peck all of their chick starter out of the feeder. Do you wait until they eat most of it before refilling the feeder? I've just been refilling it, but there's a deep pile of feed around the feeder. Rotten little brats! Are there adult size feeders that spill less feed? Is it time for an upgrade? Their feeder is sitting on a board already.

Cheers,
Michelle

 

[speckledhen]

Take them out now. I only leave them in till they're all eating and drinking and know for sure what food is, then remove them. Yes, they waste a ton. Raise the feeder up to the height of their backs and it helps. Also, turn one of those cookie canister tops upside down under the feeder, then you can scoop some of it back up easier.

 

[Meesh]

Thank you, Ma'am! Thanks for the cookie can tip, too.

Time for a nice brooder change before DH comes home!

Cheers,
Michelle