Newspaper or pine shavings???

[Gearhead846]

I need to know whether it is better to use newspapers or pine shavings for baby chicks and ducklings. What are your thoughts. Which have you used, and what are the pros and cons of both. THANKS

 

[sourland]

Initially, although they require frequent changes, I like newspapers. Young ducklings or chicks sometimes eat pine shavings causing problems.

 

[ChickenLeg]

Pine shavings, newpaper is more likely to lead to spayed legs

 

[3KillerBs]

I use shavings, covered with paper towels for a few days until they understand where the food it.

It's said that newspaper is slippery and can lead to splayed legs. I wouldn't know from experience because I'd rather stir up shavings than change papers.

 

[Gearhead846]

Ok thanks

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Puppy pee pads. Avoids both sets of problems. Good luck with your babies!

 

[3KillerBs]

Puppy pee pads. Avoids both sets of problems. Good luck with your babies!

Except the problem of having to change them over and over and over.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Except the problem of having to change them over and over and over.

We just changed ours every evening. Moved the chicks out of the brooder into a holding box, changed the pads, changed feed and water, put the chicks back, switched lamps from the white daytime lamp to the red night light, and went to bed. Had to do those other night chores anyway, and it was good for the chicks to be handled and checked for pasty butt anyway. Just took a few minutes.

 

[3KillerBs]

We just changed ours every evening. Moved the chicks out of the brooder into a holding box, changed the pads, changed feed and water, put the chicks back, switched lamps from the white daytime lamp to the red night light, and went to bed. Had to do those other night chores anyway, and it was good for the chicks to be handled and checked for pasty butt anyway. Just took a few minutes.

In the giant outdoor brooder I didn't have to change bedding except to take out wet spots if they dumped the waterer.

I just stirred the shavings if it needed it and maybe added a little more bedding if it was getting too dirty.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

In the giant outdoor brooder I didn't have to change bedding except to take out wet spots if they dumped the waterer.

I just stirred the shavings if it needed it and maybe added a little more bedding if it was getting too dirty.

Ah, now there's the difference! You had a big outdoor brooder, probably with lots of chicks. I had 18 chicks, split between two large plastic tubs or totes. Wonder what OP has?