how soon for shavings?

[grandmas Nest]

I received my chicks Mon, they were hatched 3-11. I have had the shavings in the brooder covered with old sheets, Can I remove the sheets now and just used the shavings? Also I have a 7 ft by 3 ft box and I have it divided in half right now with the light at one end, how soon should I remove the divider and let them have the whole area? Thanks

 

[Happy Chooks]

Yes, you can remove the sheet now. And you can give them access to the full brooder now as well. They'll go to the heat when they need to.

Mine hatched 3/9 and 3/10 and I took the paper towels off the shavings today.

 

[A.T. Hagan]

I don't use paper toweling at all. Straight out of the box onto shavings.

 

[rmonge00]

A.T. Hagan - how big are your shavings - mine are fairly small and I am concerned the chicks (10 days old) will eat them instead of there food. I have read you should wait two weeks....

Ryan

 

[Judy]

They won't eat many, and they will soon figure out where the food is. Mostly they will peck around in the shavings, maybe eat a little food that's fallen in. If you're concerned, use something to cover the shavings for a day or two, but that's all that's necessary. I've never even read two weeks, I don't think.

 

[Happy Chooks]

I have raised babies directly on shavings as well without any problems. I like using the paper towel until it gets yucky, then I throw it out. They will pick at the shavings, maybe eat a few small pieces, but they'll figure out pretty quick where the food is.

I haven't heard of 2 weeks either.

 

[A.T. Hagan]

Quote:
The brand I buy has a mix of large and small shavings, but nothing like sawdust. The chicks will scratch and peck through them because it is their nature to do so on any surface they can. I've brooded hundreds of chicks over the years and never lost one to eating the bedding so long as they knew where the food was at. They'll be fine.

 

[Fred's Hens]

I also only brood on shavings. Makes no sense to do anything else. Clean straw is nice too, but.....no sawdust, as they could eat it.

For centuries, hens brooded on straw, pine needles, leaves or dirt indentations.

 

[rmonge00]

Nice

My shavings are about half a fingernail in size.... From my woodchipper... So you guys think this will probably be fine? I have been using rags and I always wonder if I am being too paranoid.... It seems like other than heat, food, water, and the odd case of pasty butt, the chicks pretty much sort themselves out!!

Ryan