OMG the chicks are coming a month earlier than they told me!!

[chloemama]

I feel like an expecting mom who has nothing ready. I have a crate ready and the heat light. Can I use potting soil and shredded newspaper for their litter?

Oh boy oh boy oh boy!!!

 

[staceyl]

You ought to be able to just get some pine shavings at a pet store.

 

[SunnyDawn]

I haven't tried potting soil but I just use folded newspaper. The chicks will scratch it up but when it gets gross I just put down new paper. Be careful with potting soil since the babies will eat anything you put in there that's small enough for them to eat. Potting soil often has either absorbant crystals that swell up when wet (babies could explode if they ate enough) or it has fertilizer added to it which is very toxic to new babies. I would stick with something simpler. Oh, also use plain newspaper since they use plant based inks these days and some magazines and other printed products use chemical based inks (because they last longer and don't come off on your hands).
Good luck with your new chicks and CONGRATS!!!

 

[melody]

I don't like to use newpaper at all. I've had chicks develop spraddle leg due to it's a little on the slippery side. There is contact paper for cupbords that have grippers on them. I use the wood shavings when they get a few weeks old. good luck on your chicks, where are you getting them from and what did you order?

 

[chloemama]

Thanks -

I ordered from Nature's Hatchery. The gentleman I spoke with said they'd be shipped at the end of March. guess he was off -

I ordered
1 Australorp
1 Lt. Brahma
1 White Cochin
1 GL Cochin
1 Dominique
2 Welsummer
1 SL Wyandotte
1 Barnevelder

My brother ordered a couple of easter eggers, light buffs and gl wyandottes.

Oh I wanted to mention that after reading posts about light colored chickens being taken 1st by hawks and owls, I decided to go to the army/navy surplus store and get a camouflage net to hang over their yard. I saw on that was really huge. Their yard is going to be huge - 10 x 10 or bigger. Lots of grass and stuff for them to investigate on the days that I can't be outside to let them roam the yard. Anyway, this net should keep the predators at bay but still allow the sun to shine through.

 

[chickluver:D]

put news paper than on top put paper towels the ink cant get through and its grippy

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

The ink on the newspaper I hear is not good for them ...Paper towel is perfect for a day then switch to pine shavings

Good luck! Hint...use a good three layers LOL Or you end up with a mess.

 

[CARS]

I agree, don't use newspaper.

But more importantly. Can they do that??? I would be very angry if they delivered my first of April order the first of March. I order in April because it is still extremely cold here in March. I would actually be beyond angry to tell the truth. You're taking it very well

 

[chloemama]

I didn't know I couldn't take them. Has anyone reading this had any interaction with Nature's Hatchery?

 

[chloemama]

UPDATE! I called and emailed the hatchery - we are all set to have them shipped on 3/31. That is way better.
Still wondering if anyone has had any experience with them, Nature's Hatchery?