I put them on shavings!

[gryeyes]

I understand there are two versions of pine shavings, one that is very small bits not much larger than sawdust, and the larger shavings. I use the latter from day one.

I've raised quite a few chicks without problems from the shavings.

The dust is actually from the chicks themselves, as their growing in feathers shed dander.

I also do put paper towels down for them to see the feed at first.... but that lasts a single day.

 

[ButtersMama]

I'm just learning also. Wow..6 weeks old? I've been using pine chips (be careful not to use cedar which is not good for the chicks I hear). I just learned to not put paper under the chips. They shred it to pcs. Now, just pine chips. I am hanging the water feeder from the lid. They make such a mess in it by pooping in it and putting chips and paper in it. I do know that when the pine chips get wet...it smells terrible. Try to keep them dry. Good luck. Mine are 4 weeks old and I'm amazed at their size!! I had no idea they would grow that fast. I wish I waited because its super cold here and we still have to build the coop!!

 

[SilkieMomma]

I have always put mine on pine shavings since day one and they have done just fine! It seems they like to nestle down in the shavings to sleep.

 

[kenh2010]

I started with pine chips with newspaper (crunched up and straightened back out) on top for about three weeks. Really easy to clean up - morning and evening just rolled it up and popped it in the garbage. Then I left one end of the brooder (opposite the water and feeder) uncovered and they gradually picked and scratched there til it wasn't a novelty anymore. Didn't see any problem with their ingesting it. Still like the paper on top though - the chips are just accessible for entertainment value. They can find their treats and grit on the paper easier too. Every couple of weeks I've been changing the chips - they all crowd into the corner on the last little bit of chips because they are afraid of walking on the floor. Boy are they chicken!

 

[wsdareme]

Quote:
You kept them on paper towels for over SIX WEEKS??? Wow, I'd hate to pay your paper towel bill. I know how many paper towels I went through in the first three days.

I put them on shavings at 3 days old. The pecked at the shavings and I worried about pasty butt, but the only pasty butt I had was when they were on the paper towels. I think pasty butt is more related to stress than eating shavings.

 

[mkeawsh]

I have them on cloth rag towels - changing them every other day - for about a week and then switch to pine shavings, the big chips and there has been not problem.

 

[ChickieBooBoo]

I put mine on shavings right after they hatch, never had a problem!

 

[silkiechicken]

I find the best way to keep chick dust down is to just raise them outside in a brooder box. No more chick dust in the house!

 

[Nature Boy 1]

I got my two day old chicks about a week ago, and put them on pine shavings from the start. The agri supply store stocked a fine and coarse variety. The fine looked like it would not hinder their little legs from walking around and it did not. I have been surprised how active they have been from the beginning. I showed them each the water and then the food and that was about it. They love pecking at the shavings, probably hoping to find a worm already. It is amazing how pre-wired these little girls are. They have never known their mother but they instinctively know what to do to survive. I have raised one child, several cats and many dogs and the chicks have been a piece of cake. Maybe I should have started with them.