If babies are hatched by mama in a small separate coop from flock will pine shavings and PDZ be ok for the chicks?

[Cryss]

If babies are hatched and raised by mama in a small separate coop from the flock will pine shavings and PDZ be ok for the chicks?

 

[Cryss]

Boy I messed that up didn’t I? I put the text in the title too

 

[Cryss]

I’m asking because when I search here for an answer everything I see says use paper towels. The problem is almost every question and answer in this forum section is about incubating and using a brooder. Not enough about letting mama do the heavy work. I just want to set up her area with the littles in mind.

 

[Usskingirl2]

I’m asking because when I search here for an answer everything I see says use paper towels. The problem is almost every question and answer in this forum section is about incubating and using a brooder. Not enough about letting mama do the heavy work. I just want to set up her area with the littles in mind.

They will be fine with shavings

 

[MROO]

If they are still with Mama, they'll be fine with shavings. If your supplier differentiates, just get the finer ones while the babies are small. The paper towel suggestion is really aimed at people using an incubator and brooder. Paper toweling limits slipping by awkward baby feet and allows you to keep a closer eye on who is pooping and what it looks like. It's also way easier to clean out for the first few days. .Oh - and Congrats on the successful broody. It's SO neat to watch a Mama and her babies. Who needs TV when you have a hen with chicks?

 

[Cryss]

If they are still with Mama, they'll be fine with shavings. If your supplier differentiates, just get the finer ones while the babies are small. The paper towel suggestion is really aimed at people using an incubator and brooder. Paper toweling limits slipping by awkward baby feet and allows you to keep a closer eye on who is pooping and what it looks like. It's also way easier to clean out for the first few days. .Oh - and Congrats on the successful broody. It's SO neat to watch a Mama and her babies. Who needs TV when you have a hen with chicks?

Thank you! Yes indeed who needs tv!!
My babies are 6 weeks now and going to be joining the full flock on Sunday. What a wonderful experience! I must say I wish there was more about letting mama do the work. It’s easier I think but there are so many questions when you’ve never had chicks hatch in any manner. Everything is about incubation. Maybe the forum needs a new section.

 

[MROO]

Thank you! Yes indeed who needs tv!!
My babies are 6 weeks now and going to be joining the full flock on Sunday. What a wonderful experience! I must say I wish there was more about letting mama do the work. It’s easier I think but there are so many questions when you’ve never had chicks hatch in any manner. Everything is about incubation. Maybe the forum needs a new section.

Sounds like you could write an article on it, y'know, what you did , what worked, what didn't, what you learned and how you'll deal with the next broody hatch, And you KNOW there will be a next time ... hatching is addictive!

 

[Cryss]

Sounds like you could write an article on it, y'know, what you did , what worked, what didn't, what you learned and how you'll deal with the next broody hatch, And you KNOW there will be a next time ... hatching is addictive!

Thank you! I might have to consider this
I am currently throwing away all eggs because they all got their final dose of wormer 2 weeks ago. Meanwhile my number one broody, who goes broody every year sometimes twice, who I have never allowed because I wasn’t ready, and because she is 3 1/2 years old I gave up waiting this year for her to go broody this year, is severely broody. I haven’t broken it. I make sure she eats and drinks by kicking her out for a bit. So….2 more weeks till I dare allow incubation. I’m a bit nervous about that timeframe but some people have said it is possible. I don’t have experience in this scenario. Anyone who does is welcome to chime in before I let addiction take over!!