spraddle prevention: For how long?

[oilcan]

Our chicks are about 17 days old. We knew not to put them on newspaper alone so we have paper towels over the newspaper for added traction... but how long do we need to keep that up? When is the danger of spraddle past?

Thanks in advance!

 

[CoffeeCow]

Have you tried some pine shavings instead of paper? That way you don't have to worry about it at all, and you can use the shavings in your compost bin too

 

[oilcan]

Pine shavings are not easy to come by here. I can get a roll of paper towels anywhere, you know?