shreded paper?

[ShaggysGirl]

Hi
I'm getting ready for my chicks to come next week. I have pine shavings for the brooder but just looked at my paper shredder and thought that may work good. Would it? I also liked what I read of someone doing using a puppy pee pad. They also sell them at the medical supply place for in beds. Just pick up and replace daily

sounds good.
Thanks
Rhonda

 

[Puddle Foot Farm]

I'd be cautious. Chicks will often eat bedding like paper and get an impacted crop. =/ We had one die from eating hay and getting an impacted crop.

 

[DragonHatcher]

I'd suggest giving it to them in moderation first,then,if no ill effects result,fully introducing them to the wonders of shredded paper. Mine love it!

 

[CARS]

I've used it with my adult laying hens but I would think the little guys and gals would get tangled up real easy with paper.

 

[sfchixn]

I've been using shredded paper with the chicks since we got them. I only use "dull" paper like newspaper, credit card bills and the like. I have a cross shredder so the paper gets shredded into 1" lengths so the chicks don't ever get tangled.

The only problem I've had is the chicks scratching which scatters the paper into their water. I have to empty out and replace the water 2 or 3 times a day.

The paper keeps the brooder floor nicely dry, allows chicks to scratch in it. I can go at least a week without changing it, too. I just add more shredded paper over the top and its like a fresh new layer. When I need to replace the "litter" it all just goes in the worm composting bin.

 

[NJbirdlover]

I raised my 6 week olds on shredded paper for the first 3 weeks with no problem at all. However, the older they got I notice no matter how often I cleaned the brooder, the paper stayed damp. I have changed them to a mixture of pine shavings and wood pellets and what a difference!! The smell is reduced and no more dampness. When I do this again I will not use paper.