What is Best Brooder Bedding for Splay Leg Chick ??

[Barry Natchitoches]

I just got 27 baby chicks yesterday in the mail.


One of the little ones has splay leg (aka, "spraddle leg"). The little one is very unsteady and has difficulty walking. He/she tries to join in with group chick activities, but because he/she is slower and clumsier, this one is the last to get food, water, or participate in group activities.


I'm going to put her in a band aid splint just as soon as I log off this site.


But I read that a good brooder bedding helps alot, and bad bedding will make the problem worse.



What would you all recommend for bedding? The 27 are in a wire dog cage that has a plastic bottom to it, and a heat lamp I tied up top to give them heat.


I'm pretty sure that plastic bottom needs to be covered up with something for the sake of that little splay legged chick.


But what should I use to cover the plastic flooring with?


The babies are about 3 days old now.


Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[MadabtChickens]

Everything I've read said to put paper towels over any bedding for the first 3-4 days. I'm not sure how long you'd want to keep it down for the spraddle legged chick.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I do a thin layer of pine shavings and paper towels on top for the first few days. It works well!