Types of Litter

[hollyk]

I usually put the shavings down about 3 inches deep. The thick layer, to me, seems to keep things absorbed with the moist being on the bottom. Also, a thing that make the waterer do better was to put a piece to 2X6 in first, then put the shavings in and then set the waterer on the board. This seemed to fix the water setting uneven and leaking out. Good Luck!

 

[BlazeJester]

I read about someone using Sweet PDZ for a poop board, and may see if I'm able to find it to use as brooder substrate. Apparently it's dust-free (we'll see about that) and easily scooped.

 

[AlienChick]

I usually put the shavings down about 3 inches deep. The thick layer, to me, seems to keep things absorbed with the moist being on the bottom. Also, a thing that make the waterer do better was to put a piece to 2X6 in first, then put the shavings in and then set the waterer on the board. This seemed to fix the water setting uneven and leaking out. Good Luck!

x2

 

[runsw/scissors]

We are using fireplace pellets, works freaking wonderful! When wet they break down to sawdust which is easily removed. No odor either!

I put it down about 1-2 inches deep.

 

[HEChicken]

I used to use shavings but got tired of them getting in the waterer, even when it was raised on bricks. Also, I found disposal hard as I try to compost as much as I can but pine shavings take forever to break down. Not to mention, it is time-consuming to clean out the brooder trying to get all those icky shavings out, plus the expense of the shavings. The last couple of batches, I have just used old towels and I'll never go back to shavings. I line the brooder with the towels, and their food and water stay completely clean. After a day or two (frequency increases the older they get), I take out the old towels and replace with clean. I take the old towels outside, shake them and 95% of the poop comes off. Then they go in a pile in the laundry room to be washed when there are enough for a full load, so I'm not washing them with our clothes. This system works great for me. I went to thrift stores to get towels cheap so I didn't mind them getting all messy.

 

[Rooster76]

GET THEM STARTED OFF RIGHT FOR SUCCESS ON PAPER TOWELS
I would use paper towels over your bedding for the first 3-5 days. Those first few days are the most likely they will die. After that they probably can be put on about anything except cedar chips which are bad for their lungs. I found a 6 pack bundle, of an off brand, really cheap to use. Instead of removing it all when it gets dirty I will put 2 layers. Then I will keep adding a layer to problem areas as needed. Then after about 4 layers I will remove them except for the base layer and start over.

NOT SUPER GREAT OPTIONS
I'm going on my 3rd year for chicks this coming spring. The first year I used fine pine chips (borderline sawdust)

. After the first day I started to remove the paper towels off. A bunch of them started to eat the bedding and even with me putting the paper towels back on after noticing it, 3 later died. After they are a week old I wouldn't worry about using the fine stuff too much but it is an ideal choice. I then went to pine pellets. Pine Pellets

are way more expensive. They end up turning into really fine sawdust powder after they get wet. I would not use them though they will work alright after those first few days.

VERY GOOD CHEAP OPTION
The second year I used large flake pine shavings

from tractor supply. It ended up working out great. It was pretty cheap. It seems like what most everyone uses. You still need to keep paper towels on those first few days if you’re pulling for 100% survival. There are small pieces that they can eat for sure in there. I hang the water'ers in my brooder to keep the flakes out after the first week. I keep paper towels under the feeders to keep the flakes from getting in there.

 

[fuzziecreatures]

We are using fireplace pellets, works freaking wonderful! When wet they break down to sawdust which is easily removed. No odor either!

I put it down about 1-2 inches deep.

Do they slip around alot? I had thought about this as I use those pellets for my ferret's litter area. I figured they would be too slippy for the chicks

 

[runsw/scissors]

Gosh, sorry it took so long for me to get back to you... They don't slip around much at all. I put it fairly deep though. I can't see the floor beneath the pellets. pm me if I can help any better.