question about bedding for 5 day old chicks

bellachicks

In the Brooder
6 Years
May 3, 2013
48
2
41
Maryland USA
Hello. I am new to chickens/chicks. Our chicks were born Monday, arrived Tuesday, and today are 5 days old. I am unsure what to do bedding wise. They are in a large guinea pig cage with pine bedding covered in antipill fleece. It is easy to walk on, wicks away moisture, and they like it.
They are starting to be curious. One pulled back the material and discovered the pine bedding, Much excitment! Much pecking and scratching.
My worry is that they will eat the pine rather than their food.
At what point should they be on all pine bedding?
Are there things I can do or give to give them some interesting things to explore/play with/or eat at this early stage?

I'm feeling pretty lost!
They came a week earlier than we anticipated and I haven't done all my homework!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for helping me!!
 
I've used both clean, yellow, wheat straw and the pine shavings. They love pecking at both and love digging in both. One of the best parts of "running out of feed" in the trough is now scratching and digging for what they've spilled or beaked out. I'm one of those that will not re-fill the feeder too quickly. I like giving them a few hours of scratching/pecking practice. It amuses them and gives their instincts some exercise.
 
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Thank you Fred's Hens!

What should I be providing to amuse them or help with their instincts? Should I be giving them a pile of something in which to scrat about?
 

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