Need help with bedding.

[SDchicklove]

Hello,
We decided to increase our flock and bought 5 baby chicks. I used America's Choice Premium Mini Flakes. They seemed to be doing well eating their food, drinking water, and pecking at the mini flakes. I realized too late that they were also eating the flakes. By the time we realized they were not doing well and it was a down hill battle and we lost a couple. ;-( Very sad. Now we have removed the flakes and used paper towel and the remaining chicks are all doing fantastic. I want to follow the recommendations and use bedding to avoid other problems, but I am scared to put bedding back into their space. Maybe I should use larger size flakes?
Please help!
Thanks,
J

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Welcome to BYC!

Sorry about your losses! Large pine shavings, shredded paper and rubber shelf line are the best materials. Never use cedar shavings as it's toxic.

 

[SDchicklove]

Thank you so much! I have not heard of rubber shelf line. I will look into that too.

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Thank you so much! I have not heard of rubber shelf line. I will look into that too.

Yes, rubber shelf liner works great. Note that it should only be used for the first two weeks.

 

[SDchicklove]

They are 5 weeks now so I will try the larger wood chip size. Thanks.