using a tarp

[toniamarie]

HI
I'm EXTREMELY new to this. I have six approximately one week old chicks I'm going to move them to a bigger brooder soon, a playpen. Can I use tarp, one of those blue ones, to line the bottom of it and then put the pine shavings over it? Thank you!!!

 

[ColoRockies]

That's what we did. Built a 4x4 ' plywood brooder and set a tarp under and covered with a bag, 8 cubic feet, of pine shavings. They definitely liked the extra space and even put small tree logs so they had a place to jump up on

 

[toniamarie]

Thanks so much!! I plan on bringing the tarp up a few inches along the sides too. I was worried they'd peck at it or something, eat it, get sick and so own. lol

 

[sassysarah]

We do that too.

 

[ColoRockies]

Yeah we folded the tarp and had about a foot extra on the outside perimeter. They probably wouldn't even be able to peck at an tarp enough to destroy it or eat it. If the tarp was damaged or frayed I might worry but even our 1.5 year chickens can't do much damage. I sit on the ground and feed them by hand at times and just hang out with them. They peck at my boots sometimes and even got my finger pecked without issues. Unless they are attacking I think chickens have gentle pecks lol

 

[toniamarie]

Oh, good! I'm trying to do this thing right. I hope/want to have gentle social chickens that are more pets than anything and just as a bonus we get eggs.

 

[ColoRockies]

All you can do is your best and we have found A LOT of varying opinions on all chicken matters. Find what works best for you and enjoy the new family members

 

[trailrider330]

Welcome to BYC!!! Glad you joined our flock!

Sounds like the tarp is a good option. Seems like it would make cleaning out their brooder a much easier chore as well.

 

[dtj131]

I was worried about using sawdust in case they tried to eat or

 

[ColoRockies]

Never tried sawdust always just shavings and gonna experiment with sand more.