mate I just raised 7 chicks on pine shavings covered in paper towels...my first try at chicks-> all did well. I actually just put them out for their first time tonight in the coop (they are 3.5 weeks old) --> i changed the papertowels every day and changed the pine shavings twice per week. hope this helps, aran
I raised 23 chicks on paper towel first two days then removed it and let them have at the pine shavings. They really do love the shavings. Mine didn't eat them - just looked like it once in awhile. All of my chicks turned out fine and didn't lose a one!