Quick ? for PeepsCA

[JLeigh]

Hey there -

Is there a reason why you put the paper towels under the rubber shelving, as opposed to on top, for bedding? I'm asking because I'm thinking of how best to keep the bedding clean in the easiest way - then it occured to me there may be a foot/leg issue to consider with the layering.

I'll tell ya - I've fretted, tried, researched, micro-managed, been anxious and eager, and anticipated more than any other person I know over these guineas/keets.....and the only one I've had hatch, hatched somewhere else (but is snuggling as we speak with other chicks, so it was a good thing to do for the lone wee keet.)

TIA, Ms. Peeps

 

[JLeigh]

...and did I mention how much MONEY I've spent so far?

 

[PeepsCA]

I put the paper towels under the shelf liner cuz the paper towels are absorbent and help draw the moisture from the sometimes runny first poops away from the keets, but mostly because I prefer my keets walk on the shelf liner, and IMO it's better for their developing feet and legs those first few days. I have tons of shelf liner (dollar store purchase, $1 a roll!), and I have it all cut to fit my brooders. I change it often, there's really no way to avoid that the first few days. I just shake it out outside over my iris bed (the irises love it), then soak it in a bucket, rinse it well later, then leave it soaking in a bucket with a lil laundry soap... then rinse it again when I have finally enough dirty liner to run a load thru the washing machine with bleach.

I've been where you are at with the researching and micro-managing... lol and worked my way thru it with trial and error too. You will figure out what works best for you and your set up, and it becomes routine in no time!

The first year and 2nd yr were quite expensive, but I've leveled off and so mostly paper towels, feed, straw and light bulbs are my main expenses now.

 

[JLeigh]

Excellent. Thanks Peeps. That makes great sense.