pine shavings for chicks

[new chick 203]

Could I use those puppy pee pads for training puppies? I wouldn't go out to get them, I just have some in the garage from years ago.

 

[naturababe]

how often do you change the shavings or pick out the poop (is it called mucking out if it's for chicks and not horses?)? also, what do you use to pick out the poop, i don't think a regular pitchfork would work??

 

[zazouse]

I have used shavings for years never had a problem.

I can not imagine having to change paper towel for 100's of chicks

 

[Turner]

After about 3 days on paper towels and the chicks are eating their food you can put them on shavings...no problem. According to the feed producers as long as you have your chicks on starter only you do not need grit but if you want to give them treats etc they need to have grit available free choice. They know what they need. Good Luck!

 

[naturababe]

Quote:
hahaha

i only have 5 chicks

good to know shavings right away are fine though because i am planning to get more next year and i cannot do paper towel again. it is a huge hassle.

 

[crazyhen]

I start mine on puppy pee pads for the first two weeks then the pine chicps from southern states. That is if they are inside without a broodie hen. . If they are with the broodie they are on pine from the beginning. She will teach them what to eat.
As far as grit goes I start mine on it at about two weeks in or out for chicks. I also start them on treats at that time. hope this helps Gloria Jean

 

[vstoltzfus]

I always put my chicks on mixed shavings right away. My husband is a cabinet maker, and whatever he sweeps up, I get. And I have never given my chicks grit. They get chick starter, but once I start putting them outside for short time periods (at age 2 weeks) they eat dirt, worms, grass...whatever they want. I've never given grit. I assume they get what they need from the dirt they eat. Have never lost a chick yet.

 

[chzheadgrl]

Being completely stupid to owning chickens, I used pine shavings. My boy seems to enjoy life!

 

[A.T. Hagan]

I have brooded hundreds of chicks over the years directly on pine shaving. Never lost a bird to eating them.

 

[chicknerd]

I used pine shaving with my chicks when I first got them and had no problems.

I use play sand for grit and dust baths when they are outside. I actually put it in an old frisbee and they love it. Its big enough for a few of them to step in. They are 6-8 weeks old and spend most of their day outside in an enclosed pen. I still give them the medicated chick feed as their primary source of nutrition. Going to Blue Seal to get the grower mix today!

I have also given them plain yogurt twice, they love it (and everyone who warns that they make a big mess is right!!!). I have also given them small amounts of bird feed and lettuce for snacks.

I change the pine shavings every day. So far no smell. I dump the shavings and all around my trees and bushes. When I finish them I will start composting it.

They are moving to the coop this weekend. Just had to wait for DH to finish.

Deb