Worried about putting ducklings on shavings?? Any ideas??

[redhen]

Hi guys! I have 1.5 week old ducklings..
Right now i have them on newspaper covered with paper towels..
We change it 2 x a day.. sometimes more.. (little piglets!!)
Anyways.. i want to put them on shavings or something more absorbant and less messy!
but i am terrified that they will eat and choke on the shavings.... they like to "taste" everything...
what do you all do?

 

[vlapinta]

I had the same fears as you. I used protowels, what the dentists put on you when they clean your teeth for 2 weeks. I was changing them 4-6 times a day! I decided to try the pive shavings. First I started out with a layer of protowels over the pine shavings. I did that for a few days. Then I took away the protowels. Mine just played with them with their beaks but I didn't see them eating them. What still worries me, they are 4 weeks old now, is the shavings end up in their food bowl. I am always picking them out.

Vicki

 

[AngieChick]

I would love to know the answer to this one, too. I am nervous about putting my ducklings on shavings as well.

Oh yes, and congrats Red!

 

[zatsdeb]

my ducks are on pine shavings, I think if the pieces are not too small they do ok, I got the big bag its horse bedding. I also keep their feeders full so they eat that, it sure is better than changing paper towels all day long!

 

[1lpoock]

They will be perfectly fine. I have always started my ducklings on shavings covered with paper towels until they find their food, and them by two days it's just shavings, i've never once had a problem. Oh, and redhen, I raised the ducklings I hatched from your eggs on shavings!