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

[fdnick]

new chicks arriving next week, was going to use pine shavings, is it best to use paper towels and do you put it down whole or rip them up? THANKS!! (never had baby chicks before :O)
Denna

 

[joanm]

Denna,

I used paper towels - I didn't want my chicks eating the shavings. It worked out fine, just buy in bulk!

 

[speckledhen]

Here's what I do. I put down a thin layer of pine shavings, then I layer the paper towels on top, paying attention to the edges where the shavings can pop up. After a couple of days or whenever you get sick of changing paper towels, just remove them and you have instant shavings. They will eat a few and mostly play with them.

 

[chickenfeathers]

I always used pine shavings.

No problem...

 

[fdnick]

that sounds like a good idea, the shavings would give it a good smell and the papertowels to catch the "goop".. hubby buys in bulk so got lots of paper towels :O) HAHAHA this should be quite the "learning" experience....

 

[Flufnstuffs~FluffySilkies]

I buy the rolls of rubber drawer liners from the dollor store. Its long so I unroll it, cut it in half, and lay it in the bottom of my clear plastic bin I use as a brooder. I do this to prevent either their legs from splitting apart or their toes from curling under. I also want them to get used to what the feed looks like and not eat the shavings. You should not have to change the first liner for 2 days then put the secound one down for another 2 days by then they shpould be strong enough to prevent feet/leg problems and you can move on to another form of bedding.

You can see my brooder iseas by clicking on my personal page below.

chickenfeathers - everytime I read one of your posts I have to go get a cup of coffee

 

[chickenfeathers]

Quote:

 

[tpantali]

We used cloth towels. We went to Slavation Army and bought a buunch on the day that they were half off. Then we gradually added pine shavings on top of the towels. So, when it was time to clean we jut pulled up the towels and shook them outside in the compost and ran them through the wash.

Now, we use them to line the nesting boxes so that they are easier to clean.

I am so busy, and kind of lazy, so if it makes my life easier I LOVE it!

 

[fdnick]

I have never seen these "rolls of rubber drawer liners from the dollor store" this stuff sounds like it would work well.. I will call my dollar store and see if they carry it.. GODD IDEA!!

 

[doghamstyluv95]

I used paper towels for awhile, but then they started eating them so i just put pine shavings down and they didnt eat those.