pine bedding at 4 days old

[Ellie]

I used paper towels for their "floor" until today. I put in pine shavings.... it is wetter and so I am worried about them.

They seem to love it. I sprinkled some of their food in it... is that what you are supposed to do?

Thanks, I guess I will be hovering over them and writing to y'all in the meantime

Ellie

 

[silkiechicken]

Make sure they know where the food is already and have their feeders full. They will eat a bit of the shavings but they'll learn fast it isn't good to eat. You probably don't need to do any food sprinkling into the shavings.

 

[Chelly]

I removed the paper towels on Day 6 and found out it was easier to clean the paper towels up than the shavings!
But they were fine, they do like to dig around in it - they seemed to always be looking for SOMETHING, and then they tried to dust bathe in it so I brought in a little dish of dirt and that got ALL over the place, they had a great time - then I built the tractor outside, and thats a life saver! They now go out everyday when the weather is good, and can poop and dig to their hearts content! (they catch lots of Grass hoppers and have a blast)
Less cleaning for me, and very happy chicks!

 

[Ellie]

Thanks so much, I was not sure... they were scratching and pecking at the bedding so I thought if I put food in there they would not eat the shavings.

I appreciate so much the fast replies on this forum.

I will leave them be...

though their temp monitor is by my bed and I do get up at 2 or 3am to check on them...

This is just like when I had kids.

Ellie

 

[Ellie]

Well, they dumped their water and were chirping like crazy. I changed the wet bedding and put only a little in this time and their paper towels over the bedding. Ahhh, quiet finally and they are going to bed.

I used to just have the paper towels ... Well, now I have both and contented chicks.

Chelly, what age were they when you put them outside? I would like to this weekend but they will only be a week old.

Ellie

 

[doghamstyluv95]

You can put them outside if it is really warm and make sure they have food, water and shade for a little. But you can put them permenantly in the outside coop when they are 4 weeks old.