Using paper based bedding for chicks

[crazy4ChickensNducks]

i have a bunch of carefresh small animal bedding left over from when I had my hamster. Could I use this In the brooder?

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

I used old newspapers for easy cleanup. I don’t know if they’d eat the shredded ones or not.

 

[crazy4ChickensNducks]

its not really shreaded its more like clumps of paper

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

@DobieLover you think that will be alright?

 

[diamondsilkies]

I used to use the same stuff for chicks, but stopped because I was worried about them eating it and found a better deal on wood chips. While it's not optimal, I think you could use it in a pinch, and just keep an eye on them to make sure they're not eating too much. My one tip is to put a layer of paper towel underneath, it makes clean up MUCH easier.

 

[crazy4ChickensNducks]

i just had like a whole tote of this stuff left over, it is soooooo expensive. I am lucky enough to have a huge barn with a cement floor, so I just put up some ply wood in a corner and unscrew the boards when i want to clean it, then I just scoop it up with a shovel

 

[crazy4ChickensNducks]

the mini flake pine shavings i get are the same size if not smaller than this

 

[Cyprus]

I used the pelleted version of the stuff. Works just fine.

 

[DobieLover]

@DobieLover you think that will be alright?

I would use potty pads or paper towels for the first 3-5 days until they have figured out their food source then you can use up the paper bedding. It's likely going to get stinky faster so you'll change it more often. No big deal.

 

[paneubert]

I would use potty pads or paper towels for the first 3-5 days until they have figured out their food source then you can use up the paper bedding. It's likely going to get stinky faster so you'll change it more often. No big deal.

I did exactly what DobieLover describes here. Puppy pee pads for a few days, then the carefresh bedding. This was when I was hatching 120 quail at a time. It actually did not stink that quickly if you use a thick enough layer. The poops work their way down. The paper absorbs a lot of moisture and dries things out quick. I did not even change out the pee pads before adding the carefresh. Just layered it right over top of the pee pads. Probably smarter and less smelly to clean it out when you switch, but, at least in my case, it was not a problem.