Switching to pine shavings in brooder, so how thick?

[Autumn Mama]

How thick shall I put the shavings?

Currently I have paper towel *over* pine shavings and they are 1/2 inch thick-ish. Should I leave it like that or make the layer thicker?

Then , how often to change the whole works?

Can I rub down the brooder with some ACV on a damp cloth when cleaning it all out?

THanks!!!

 

[sherrydeanne]

My 3 week olds are in about 3-4 inches of pine shavings. They love kicking it around and nesting in it.

 

[Autumn Mama]

Okay, i tried to change the brooder, and leave out the paper towel, and the little cuties ran around like crazy in the shavings...and ate them...and ate more...sigh.

Have I left them on towels too long and taught them bad habits?

They are accustomed to eating starter crumbles on the towels (as well as the round feeder that is full...)

If they eat the pine are they okay?
How can they find them appetizing? They have real food!

 

[Gonzo the Great]

Oh geez, I am waiting on a handful of chicks to arrive locally at the feed stores here and was thinking of using my shavings I've collected from my planer. It's all SYP so I know it's good to go...but the thought of them eating that stuff is changing my mind!!! You say 3 weekers are eating shavings? hmmmm....