Question about bedding

[MamaL]

We just got out little ones about a week ago. We've got 25 orpingtons. I read a book on chickens before getting them and thought I was prepared but now I'm finding out things like they don't need grit till about three weeks. I thought they needed it from week one. Anywho, my question is about bedding. We are using cedar shavings right now but I'm concerned that they might be eating the shavings. I thought about processing some of the shavings in my blender to make the bits smaller but the I wondered if that was a good idea. What do you all think? Should I make the pieces smaller or should I change bedding? If I should change bedding what do you all think would be a better choice?

Thanks for the help

 

[Pickles Mom]

We were told cedar is dangerous for chickens. Pine only.

 

[mpguay]

O, pine shavings are the best!
very absorbant, you cant see poop on it.
it composts with the chicken poop beautifully.
and just keep adding to it.

How much room do you have for the 25 Orps?

 

[MamaL]

I just checked with DH on the bedding and he purchased Aspen bedding thinking it was pine. Is that ok to use or should we get rid of it?

Right now the babes in a large box in my quest bathroom with their lamp and supplies.

 

[mpguay]

Aspen wont hurt.
chicks will peck at everything. they may injest a little bedding but thats ok.
I wouldnt use cedar due to the scent. a bit strong for little biddies.

Real soon you will need to add a box or two to the condo. make doors between the boxes. they grow FAST! and if not given enough space and cover, pecking will start.

grit cant hurt. I offer it from the beginning.

Orps are very nice birds. Fluffy and golden. Quiet and curious. Nice choice.

 

[MamaL]

DH and I have been brainstorming how to add on to their current box so that they will have more room. They are some feisty little things! They are starting to flap and try to fly so they use each other as target practice. I have lost one though, I dont know how but I found her tonight, she look like she had been smooshed or something....and now I have one who is opening her beak like she's gasping or trying to get something out of her throat. She is doing it as she falls alseep and i noticed that she wakes up doing this and then falls back to sleep. She doesnt seem to be real interested in food or water really. I've been watching her the past few hours, about 5, trying to get her to drink or eat and she wont. She still pooping but mostly just standing wobbling while falling asleep and doing the weird opening her beak like she's got something in her throat thing.

i dont know what to think. I hope it's nothing and I'm just being paranoid...