Two questions about my brand new baby chicks

[donnap1967]

One hatched yesterday and two hatched today. I just read that people are putting in cedar bedding at about the third day. I didn't know this and I set up the brooder with cedar shavings right from the start. Is this bad?????? Should I remove the shavings for a couple more days?

My other question is this....The baby from Day 22, which is the first one born, was in the brooder by himself for a day. When the other two hatched and dried today,Day 23, I put them in the brooder with the first one and the first one is not exactly being friendly. The little bugger keeps pecking at the two newer babies. Sometimes even in their faces. I am worried that he is hurting the new babies...they aren't as strong as the first one.

Will they be okay in there? Will this behavior stop eventually?

 

[bayouchica]

Hi, welcome to BYC

Can you get something other than the cedar like paper towels ? Cedar isn't good for a chic/chickens respitory (sp?) system.Maybe try to get some pine shavings.I use old newspaper on the bottom covered with shelf liners.
You may need to seperate the older one for awhile till the younger ones get stronger.Hopefully it's just a temporary thing.
Good luck, enjoy your babies,they grow up fast.

 

[MissPrissy]

Please do NOT use cedar bedding. You need to get some pine shavings for bedding. Cover it over with paper towles for a few days so they learn to eat food and not shavings and their feet are able to stay under them without slipping.

Even baby chicks have to establish a pecking order.

They will work it out and be fine.

Please get those chicks off the cedar shavings before you end up with respiratory problems that have to be treated and delt with.

 

[donnap1967]

Ok, I went in and immediately removed the shavings. I laid down paper towels and had enough shelf liner left to lay the shelf liner over half the area for better traction. I am sure that will get messy soon enough and will have to come out. But then I will just use paper towels. At least those are readily available.

Thank you so much for correcting my mistake. I am glad I saw that other post about shavings and asked. I would hate to have come this far and then have the poor things get sick.

You guys are the best and this forum is amazing.