SAND OR SHAVINGS???

[Kim95037]

I just lost a baby chick that seemed to be fine and I suspect the pine shavings may have contributed to some degree. I also have another chick that developed a raspy chirp and a crackling sound with her breathing after being in my brooder for a couple of days.I noticed these shavings have quite a bit of dust, I bought a different brand this time. Ive been reading pros and cons, I never had problems before with pine shavings but to be safe, I removed them and put a towel in for now and will buy some sand tomorrow. Can anyone give me some input on this? I read on another website that pine shavings could be bad for chicks. Im pretty bummed out about losing this one......Thanks in advance for opinions.

 

[warmwater]

When I first bring my chicks home, I put newspaper down and paper towels. Chicks will peck at everything. About two weeks or so I put in pine bedding from TSC, the bigger (flaked) bedding. I still keep a paper towel under the feeder so they can peck at the feed that falls around it.

I don't give my chicks anything but chick feed.

When they feather out and I start to take them outside in the yard on nice days, I give them chick grit.

Hope this helps.