Removing the litter covering?

[cairopd1069]

How long should I leave the paper towels over the litter before removing it?

 

[gryeyes]

I only use paper towels - or shelf lining because it's washable and reusable - for the first 3 days. By then the chicks know what is food!

Some folks put chicks onto pine shavings right away with no covering.

 

[gritsar]

When I get new chicks I first dip their beaks in the water and then set them down IN their food tray. I've yet to have a chick that didn't start eating immediately. After that they're free to wander where they want in their brooder. I don't put paper towels down and have never had a problem with them eating shavings. Picking a piece of shavings up in their beak to check it out, sure - all babies put things in their mouth to check em out - but never to eat them.

 

[PepsNick]

I use that or newspaper for the first two 1/2 days.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/chickcare.html
this tells you- scroll down

 

[abhaya]

I dont use paper towels at all. I dip the chicks beak in the water and let them explore. Never had a problem with chicks on either shavings or straw.