Oil Absorbent Pads for Brooder Boxes

[PatientType]

When I picked up some day-old quail chicks from one of the larger local breeders I asked them if they use wood shavings for brooding chicks. They said, "No. We tried wood shavings. However, some of the very young chicks tried to eat the shavings and died. We also found the shavings are messy and required more work to keep clean." I asked him what he used instead. He said, "We use oil absorbing sheets."
In that this quail farm hatches hundreds of chicks every week, I thought they must know what they're talking about. So I purchased a roll of oil absorbing sheets. So far, it's worked great. The pads are about 1/8 inch thick and very absorbent. They keep the chicks dry and are extremely easy to maintain. When I have a bunch of new chicks, I lay down a sheet of this stuff each AM. The chicks poop all over, scatter food, spill water. Then, the next morning, I just roll up the soiled oil absorbent sheet and put down a clean, dry one. The process takes less than a minute. The sheets cost about 60c per day if I purchase a large roll of this stuff on line.

 

[Nabiki]

The only thing I would worry about would be the texture of the sheets. Are they very smooth? If they have enough texture, they may be a very good choice for you.

 

[Susan Skylark]

I use those washable guinea pig cage liners instead of paper towels, but I add a handful of bedding each day as things get messy. Sounds like another interesting alternative, thanks for sharing.

 

[PatientType]

The only thing I would worry about would be the texture of the sheets. Are they very smooth? If they have enough texture, they may be a very good choice for you.

The texture is akin to the fabric of a wool shirt & the sheets have dimpling.

 

[RoyalChick]

The texture is akin to the fabric of a wool shirt & the sheets have dimpling.
View attachment 4243251

I have a bunch of those for flood clean up in the basement.
My only worry in a brooder box is that when they get scratched up they get little fiber strands and I would worry a chick would eat those and get their crop all blocked.
The pads are pretty tough so if you are changing them daily it probably isn’t too much of a worry - but I would definitely look out for if they start scratching on them.

 

[catesquire]

You can also use plain ol' tea towels the first few days if you're worried they're too stupid for woodchips/pellets. After that they should know what the food looks like, and the towels are easily rinsed and reused.