Is just the starter enough?

[SilkieChickStar]

Wood shavings are fine for the bottom of the brooder.  The clump of sod I was talking about is just that - dig up a dirt clod and put it in there whole...they'll do the rest.  Good luck!

My chicks go crazy for a dish of dirt out of the garden hehe

 

[abqferreira]

Awesome idea to add sod! Here in NM we don't have any grass to speak of, but I'm sure I can find something!