What bedding is best for chicks?

[DBeckmann]

I plan on getting chicks in the Spring to start my flock, but I'm a little set back on bedding. I don't really want to use pine, but will if I have to. What other options are there?

 

[TattooedChicks]

If you don't want to use pine shavings, maybe consider absorbent pine pellets. Or sand that you can clean like a cat litter box. Some people manage with newspaper and paper towels for a while. Old bath towels that can be washed off, though they shouldn't shed fibers or threads that the birds can eat. Straw isn't very absorbent, but it's been used for ages. Someone here was posting recently about using peat moss. I like the large pine shavings myself, but they definitely aren't the only option. Good luck with your chicks!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Not sure if you mean pine shavings or pine needles, either could work. Pine or aspen shavings are probably the most popular, but some people use sand, dirt, hay, straw, dried tree leaves, Spanish moss, shredded paper, cloth of various types, and I’m sure many other things. I use ½” hardware cloth but my brooder is in the coop. I use bins underneath to catch the droppings, not sure how well that would work in your house.

Where are my manners, welcome to the forum! I almost did not notice.

 

[DBeckmann]

Thank you guys so much! It's just that I have a very elderly cat (20yrs old) who mainly lives outside, and her allergies get irritated easily.

 

[minihorse927]

Thank you guys so much! It's just that I have a very elderly cat (20yrs old) who mainly lives outside, and her allergies get irritated easily. 

aspen shavings are claimed to be scent free and allergy free FWIW.