When to remove paper towels from top of pine shavings?

[boat309]

So I have be told that for chicks it is a good idea to put a layer of paper towels on top of the pine shavings so that they don't eat the pine shavings. When do u guys think they will be old enuff to remove the paper towels?

 

[bobshere]

I never did right from the start. My chicks found there food and water in 2 seconds. Show each one where the food and water is and they are good to go. They all follow each other usually. When one eats the rest of them eat....

 

[boat309]

Ya mine have found the food and water they have have been eating and drinking for 2 days now. It's just a huge hassle changing the paper towels cus they get so dirty so fast.

 

[hildar]

I used to use the puppy training pads in the bottom of our brooder. I loved those. If their feet got wet from the water, the pads absorbed it so they wouldn't be walking around in wet bedding. We changed the pad 3 times a day. However shavings are good. I am doing that this year. I figured its cheaper to go with the shavings, my dad brought up all of his chicks on shavings.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

I use paper towels on shavings for when they just hatched. In four days it's mostly torn up. In seven days I'm due for a cleaning and have never added more paper towels.

Reason I use it in the fist place is for a more level footing when they are so fragile at hatch and to keep the water clean as it sits right on the bedding. Once I clean the brooder the first time I place the water fountain on a block of wood to elevate it some in attempt to keep clean. The chicks have grown quite a bit in that first week, are very agile and active then, and the brooder is in need of a cleaning.

 

[MountainOrchard]

I did paper towels over pine shavings for the first 3 days, then I took them out. They did fine. They love the shavings because they can scratch around in it.