Newspaper ok instead of shavings?

[puebloyoga]

My chicks are just a few days old. I went to my local/small feed store and they didn't sell shavings and suggested using newspapers, so that's what they're on now. Is this ok? They suggested stripping them, but the chicks seemed to trip over them, so I've just putting down flat layers. We are in the journalism dark ages and still get 3 newspapers delivered, so having enough paper won't be a problem.

Oakland, CA
1 Buff Orpington, 1 Golden Laced Wyandotte, 1 Welsummer, 1 Rhode Island Red and soon 2 Americaunas

 

[vsmenagerie]

Newspaper is pretty slick and it can cause them to have issues. Spraddle leg? I think? textured paper towels would be better.

 

[ChickInDelight]

I agree. Put something with texture over top of the newspaper -like towels that you can launder.

Enjoy dem lil babies.

 

[wildriverswolf90]

Although papertowels are way better than newspaper, if you don't want your chicks to get spraddle leg would switch to pine shavings ASAP!

 

[Bantam Username]

Also the ink in the newspaper is not good for them. Maybe sand if you can't get shavings, or an old towel but it will need to be washed daily.

 

[GardenState38]

There are also online resources for shavings, or try to find another feed store in your area.
Even pet stores sell pine or aspen shavings. At least my PetSmart does.
Amazon.com sells shavings. Aspen is the best as it will not cause respiratory issues, as pine may.
(Never use cedar!)
Aside from spraddle leg, Newspaper will also hold the moisture and dampness, in case of a water spill--making conditions ripe for disease...

I did a great deal of research before getting my chicks, and almost every book I read advised against using newspaper in the brooder (unless as a layer BENEATH wood shavings)

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Petco, petsmart, walmart all sell bedding as well. You will spend more on a smaller bag, but far better than newspaper. Just don't buy cedar.

 

[nicokl502]

it's ok for a day or so they tell you to use it the 1st few days but after than i would get shaving or mix it whit newspaper

 

[puebloyoga]

Thanks so much! Wow, so much to learn. Great idea about going to a pet store. I'm new to raising animals, too!

Related question - can I compost the pine or aspen shavings?

Yes, we are all definitely enjoying these wee ones...


Oakland, CA
1 Buff Orpington, 1 Golden Laced Wyandotte, 1 Welsummer, 1 Rhode Island Red and soon 2 Americaunas

 

[vsmenagerie]

yes, you can compost them

that is where mine is going! along with the paper towels I used the first few days.