What to use for bedding?

[Georgetownchick]

Have a batch of eggs due to hatch at the end of this coming week. What kind of bedding is best to use in the brooder? I have also heard it is best to cover the bedding with something for the first couple of days so they don't eat it. Can I just use an old towel?

Thanks!

 

[marianne7]

I used straw, and covered it wood shavings....

 

[cafarmgirl]

I've always just used pine shavings. They go on it from day one and I've never had a problem with chicks eating the shavings. I introduce them to the waterer and feeder when I put them in and that's that. I do often put the feeder on a flat piece of wood just to catch some of what they toss out so more gets eaten instead of lost in the bedding.

 

[Overoberyl]

I used pine shavings also, sometimes I will use just a folded puppy pad for the first day until I'm sure they have their footing, then I put pine shavings in.

 

[richsbabycakes]

I put paper towels on top of pine shavings. I can replace the paper towels as needed and less chips get in the water.