What Bedding for Brooder?

[lmadeline146]

We’re days away from hatching our first eggs and we’re trying to figure out the proper bedding we need. I bought cedar bedding before realizing it’s toxic to chicks. I don’t have any time to go to the store between now and when the chicks hatch, so what should I do? I was thinking of layering newspaper and a beach towel, but what order should I layer them? Any tips?

 

[Obsessed With Silkies]

Is it just chicks or do they have a broody mother? For the first week you can use papper towels. You can layer your crate or whatever you're using with a couple layers of paper towels. This is good for new chicks as it helps them get their footing down and begin learning how everything works. At that age they won't be pooping too much so it won't have to be cleaned too much but once they are about a week old I'd recommend pine shavings for them. Newspaper might be too slippery for new chicks which I wouldn't risk knowing that splayed leg could occur if they don't have a good walking surface. Overall paper towels are totally fine until you are able to get some pine shavings!

 

[lmadeline146]

Is it just chicks or do they have a broody mother? For the first week you can use papper towels. You can layer your crate or whatever you're using with a couple layers of paper towels. This is good for new chicks as it helps them get their footing down and begin learning how everything works. At that age they won't be pooping too much so it won't have to be cleaned too much but once they are about a week old I'd recommend pine shavings for them. Newspaper might be too slippery for new chicks which I wouldn't risk knowing that splayed leg could occur if they don't have a good walking surface. Overall paper towels are totally fine until you are able to get some pine shavings!

Thank you! It’s just chicks from our incubator

 

[Obsessed With Silkies]

Thank you! It’s just chicks from our incubator

Just curious, what breeds are you incubating!

 

[5Australorpasaures]

I'm done with pine chips , first and last, picked up a bag of shredded straw for this weekends crew. First choice for us.

 

[lmadeline146]

Just curious, what breeds are you incubating!

EE’s, barred rocks, marans, and starlights!

 

[Obsessed With Silkies]

EE’s, barred rocks, marans, and starlights!

Oooh! You'll have to post pictures!