NEW CHICKS.. from what I have read is it best to use paper towels?

[speckledhen]

Another good option are shop towels. Although more expensive, they are very absorbent and they are less likely to shred those. Really, you only need something till they are eating and drinking and know what food is, then you can go completely with the pine shavings. They keep smell down better and you just keep stirring them up and refreshing them with a handful now and again.

 

[Barnyard Dawg]

With summer we started our chicks outside in our chick house and pen, we had pine shavings on the floor and sand in the pen, no lamp necessary.

 

[Nichole77]

My Hubby waits forever to mow the lawn so I use the cut grass. It's free and I don't worry about gunked up butts.

 

[speckledhen]

Unless you chop it into small pieces, it can cause an impacted crop if they eat the longer pieces. Just be careful with that. They need grit if they have access to grass clippings, too.