what can I use in bottom of bator during hatch

[Chickaroos]

I have seen some people use shelf liner to help new chicks stand easier then on the grate. Can I use a kitchen towel or sheet of cotton fabric? Is that safe to keep in the bator during the lock down days? Any other ideas??

 

[3BirdGirlz]

Felt or paper towels is what I use. I think as long as its clean you'll be fine Good luck with your hatch!

 

[adiekaty]

I used cheesecloth with the first hatch, it was gross, stayed wet, babies couldn't dry.. never again will i use it. second hatch, i used the grippy patterned shelf liner, it was perfect!! Good luck! with towels i worry about their nails possibly getting caught..

 

[aidensmomma]

I used cheesecloth with the first hatch, it was gross, stayed wet, babies couldn't dry.. never again will i use it. second hatch, i used the grippy patterned shelf liner, it was perfect!! Good luck! with towels i worry about their nails possibly getting caught..

I would think the towels would affect the humidity too, yes? I like the shelf liner idea...I posted this same question a few threads down!! thanks!

 

[AmericanMom]

I would think the towels would affect the humidity too, yes? I like the shelf liner idea...I posted this same question a few threads down!! thanks!

I also used the shelf liner...Loved it...
I dont know about anyone elses incuabtor, but I didnt lay the liner down til lockdown as it did make the humidity go higher than it was supposed to, It was perfect for lock down humidity tho.

 

[aidensmomma]

Dollar store, here I come.
I assume just give it a good wash in warm water and antibacterial soap.... My next 17 go into lockdown on Wednesday. and I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!

 

[AmericanMom]

Dollar store, here I come.
I assume just give it a good wash in warm water and antibacterial soap.... My next 17 go into lockdown on Wednesday. and I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!

Yes mam, thats what I did and dried it in the dryer (no heat of course) and threw it away after they hatched....

 

[aidensmomma]

So using the rubber shelf mat had definite advantages but it also had some disadvantages. While the eggs were less likely to roll around like bowling pins whenever a chick hatched, it is not breathable enough to keep a chick alive should the egg roll over on top of it's pipped hole. I had a chick die like that so I'm not sure I'll use it again...I will most likely try the paper egg carton method. Cleanup will be a breeze...thank goodness because it's a MESS in there!