lisal124: The wire floor is great for letting circulation thru & something for their little toes to grap on to, but I've had the best experience with that "rubbery" no-slip shelf liner that comes in small rolls with a waffle like pattern. The chicks don't slip on this (which can cause spraddle leg), has holes for good circulation of air & moisture, & is easy to clean up later to use again. Just put your carton (with holes cut out of the bottom) on top of the single layer of waffle shelf liner & over the wire mesh. Maybe the surgical drapes can be used up in the brooder instead of paper towels, etc. I always put down pine shavings or cut straw for cushion, with a layer or two of paper towel, a layer of the waffle shelf liner & a sprinkling of the chick starter feed for a few days until the chicks get going stronger. You're so close. Happy hatching!
Madcap621: Heather's little "sbe" chickies are so sweet! They look so very clean too. Ha!