Quail in the Brooder.....GROSS, What should I do ! !

[momw2cutekids]

So, I just hatched out about 20 quail and just few more are left in my hatcher.......As a brooder I have 2 rubbermaid storage containers that I converted as brooders. I use old dishtowels as my bedding since I am worried that their feet will spread, I just tried bath mats and also I tried non skid lining

I change their liners about 2 to 3 times a day BUT>>>>>>>>

last night when I got home I noticed poop is sticky to their little toes I pulled some off but,

It's such a mess - WHAT SHOULD I DO ?????? Any ideas for brooder liners ? And how am I gonna remove all this poop off their toes with out them bleeding ???????

 

[happyhensny]

I use paper towels - like Viva or really cheap ones. Some are too slippery.

 

[chrishel]

They aren't going to like it, but I hold them and run their feet under warm water and then gently pull off the gunk.

I try not to get them too wet and they go back into the brooder as quickly as possible.

 

[4mychicks]

I've been thinking of cutting hardware clothe (wire) maybe an inch larger than the bottom of my brooding container ,fold under 1\\2 inch all around to elevate it, so droppings go through and hopefully everyone is clean and dry. like a shoe box lid sorta

 

[Cynthia12]

Quote:
I use the kitchen shelf liner, I don't have that many babies, but honestly, I don't see any poo sticking to their feet, and yes, I have to change more often now because they are getting bigger. Here's a picture of the stuff I use..get it at the dollar store.

 

[CapricornFarm]

I start them on paper towel then switch to shavings, then onto wire.

 

[Cynthia12]

Quote:
What do you think Hot2...mine should be ready for some shavings now shouldn't they?

I am one with a lot of questions..sorry, but I am glad there are folks on here that are ready with good answers.. I am learning more and more as I come on. Can't learn if you don't ask.

 

[shelleyd2008]

How old did you say they were? I keep mine on cloth (towel or scrap material from old blankets) for at least the first week. My button babies are over 2 weeks old and still on cloth. I've tried paper towels and shelf liner and it just doesn't work as good as a regular cloth towel.

 

[Stellar]

You can use pelleted pine for cbbq as well. I use it for all babies actually. Haven't had issues as of yet. But towels work as well.

 

[shelleyd2008]

Quote:
I wouldn't use it on very young babies as it does roll around a lot. You'd have to break it down (wet it) for the pellets to not stick out so bad and for little babies you'd have to wait for that to dry or it would get cold.