Shavings

[texas_chick]

I've been trying to take the paper liner away and switch the chicks over to shavings but as soon as I take the paper cover out (it's currently covering up a layer of shavings) they peck at the shavings.
Not sure how much they are eating them but lots of scratching around and pecking at it.
Does that mean it's not yet safe to switch to shavings? Or will they always scratch and peck no matter how old they are?

 

[scbatz33]

I tried to make the switch when the chicks were about 3 weeks. They just ate the savings...I was paranoid so I took them back off for another week or so. Now they are fine. I think they are probably eating some but (touch wood) no problems yet.

 

[gritsar]

They're going to pick up shavings and investigate whether it's something they can eat or not. That's how chicks find out what's food and what's not.
I never had mine on paper towels. Sure they picked up a shaving here and there, but there was no real eating going on. They were fine.