Week-old chicks appearing to eat bedding?

[irradiatedsnakes]

So, our chicks are over a week old now- about 10 days, I believe. The books and guides I've been using say to keep them on paper or towels for 3-5 days, so they learn what their food is, then give them bedding. I waited a bit longer, and have just introduced pine shavings into their brooder- and they've immediately started to peck and scratch through it, which I know is normal, but I think at least a few of them are eating some of it. They definitely know where & what their food is, so do they just need a bit to get used to the bedding, or should I switch it back out for the paper?

 

[chickens really]

That's nothing to worry about. Put a small bit of chick Grit in a pan and they will use it if needed.

 

[irradiatedsnakes]

That's nothing to worry about. Put a small bit of chick Grit in a pan and they will use it if needed.

Will do, thank you!

 

[rosemarythyme]

They're exploring it with their mouths because it's new. Very normal for them to taste some of it. I'd only worry if they start eating large amounts.

 

[NeoHomesteader]

All of the above. And definitely do some chick grit. If you get a chick that is scratching at face a lot... warm water, grit and rub its gizzard. It has a shaving caught.

EDIT: It occurs to me the temperature of the water only matters because it is a chick...