What should i use for the floor of my new baby ducklings ?

[duckmagnetyup]

Okay, I'm about to get 2-3 new baby ducklings. I have a pretty big box for them til they get older. The bottom layer of the cardboard box is plastic. Then this foam type thing (its breaks off easily and makes a mess, not sure if its safe) then the cuttings of the top of the cardboard box then newspaper then paper shredding ? Is that okay and safe ? If not, what should i use?

 

[Marty1876]

Ducklings are very very messy. Newspaper, cardboard, old rags to be tossed out, wood shavings, and wood pellets (for stoves) all work good. If they are outside (in garage, brooder, or barn) you can just change the box 2-4x a week, based on when they start to smell (and it won't be long). I just keep changing boxes until its 75 at night and hot during the day. Right now, I keep babies in a week, then out they go into outside brooders with a roof and screen sides (for safety)

additonal duckling tips: Get a gal. milk jug you've rinsed, and cut 1 x 1.5 inch holes about 3 inches up on 2 sides. Use this for water. Fill to just below your lowest drinking window. They can drink (show them where it is and touch heads to water) from this all they like, and play a bit, but it will keep the box MUCH DRIER for you and them. They are very messy drinkers. (I use 1 jug to 3-4 ducklings and refill 2-3 x daily, rinsing daily at least once. Now, you'll have to make a new jug every other week, as they grow very very fast. Just make the holes a good height for their heads. I also use 1 pint jars for food once they are a week or so old, and can reach in with no trouble. The trick with ducklings is to use containers they can just barely reach in enough for. Otherwise, its "mama clean my mess" city.

Good luck!

 

[duckmagnetyup]

what do you mean for stoves ? and am i able to use pine pellets outside. or will the wind blow it out cause my run for the chicken will be made out of hardware cloth and wood any more tips ? I'm completely new, sorry

 

[Marty1876]

I do mean the wood pellets for stoves. They also stay quite fresh smelling much longer, and you can dry them and burn them still. LOL (I wouldn't cook hot dogs over them though)

I don't think the pellets will blow too much outside, but I don't know what kind of wind your facing. Here is Kansas we've almost always got a firm south wend (gusting 30s daily, and up to 60 if it feels like it)