Litter in my waterer

[JLS]

I would like some advice about how I can keep the shavings from getting into my waterer. My babies are 6 days old. The hatchery suggested wood shavings as the litter. This is now a big problem because my babies are scratching around and filling their waterer and then all the water empties into the shavings. Then they have nothing to drink until I get home from work! Not good. Please help me if you can.

 

[Cackling Hen]

There isnt much you can do. I was empty mine out 2-3 times a day. U can get a peice of wood or a brick and set it on that just make sure they can reach it and it wont fall over Good luck

 

[hen-thusiast]

We had that problem. Try setting the waterer up a bit higher (and on something very sturdy so it doesn't tip over) so that it is at the height of their back, but good luck! With the amount they'll be growing in the next couple of weeks it seems like we were ALWAYS raising the food and water.

 

[JLS]

Thank you for your help. I will try raising it up on something sturdy.

 

[gritsar]

I used blocks of wood, 12" x 12" by 1" thick to raise mine. Added a block at a time as the chicks grew.

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
There is the secret - hang it or elevate it to a height equalling that of their back. A platform, made of 2 x 4 wood and wire mesh, is a good solution
Do it in the coop or anywhere else, too.

 

[verlaj]

I use clay flower pots to raise the waterers. Have to change to bigger, higher pots as they grow.

 

[sheeshshe]

I raised mine on a brick... while it helps with them kicking the shavings into the water, I have this one chicks who insists on having a pine shavings bath right next to it thus filling the darn thing with shavings anyways!

 

[SimplyForties]

So far I'm using puppy pads over the litter, my chicks are about 10 days old, and this hasn't been a problem.

 

[cmom]

I have raised all of my chicks in this wire brooder. There are catch trays under the brooder with shavings in it to catch the poop. Also there is a tray in the brooder with pine shavings in it for the chicks to scratch, peck in and sleep in. The water and feed stays clean. I have never had any problems with their feet going through the wire and they grow so fast. I have always used pine shavings and have never had any problems with my chicks. I have also seen the chicks peck at the shaving but have never actually seen them eat the shavings either.