Best bedding for baby chicks in brooder?

[Gigi Gigi]

I haven't raised chickens before but my husband and I just ordered ten that should be born near the end of the month. I've been doing a ton of research (he grew up with chickens, but I no nothing about them) the last few weeks. I read a lot of information that stated that using river or construction grade sand is best both for chicks in the brooder and for chicken coops. Then, as I was researching something else I found people saying not to use sand and basically saying the opposite of what the pro-sand people had said. I'm just confused now and really want to do what is best and healthiest for our chickens. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

I use pine shavings for my chicks and straw for my chickens.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

I use paper towels with a shelf liner strip (for traction) for the first couple of days, then switch to large flake pine shavings. They'll scratch in the shavings and it can get pretty dusty, but it seems to work well.

 

[paneubert]

For me, puppy pee pads for the first couple days, then recycled paper bedding.

 

[fldiver97]

I tried a couple of things and for me pine shavings worked well but for the first few days I had them covered with unprinted paper towels. I have never tried sand for little ones

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

Go to your local tractor supply and buy a huge brick of pine shaving, they are pretty darn cheap. I only have to use it a few times and it's still almost full....... I'd give it to you if you were near here as I have no use for it anymore. I think I'm done with hatching any more of them as I am lazy and they eat like pigs.

 

[Gray Farms]

I use mini flake pine shavings from day one.

 

[Ms Clucky]

Two or three layers of paper towels, then a bunch of their chick starter feed. That way all they can eat is the feed and when they poo, it clumps up like kitty litter. When it needs changed, i just roll up one of the layers of paper towels. Worked for me every time.

 

[Ms Clucky]

Also, they won't eat the pine shavings and hurt themselves.

 

[ldrchickens]

For the first week I used puppy pads then switched to pine shavings for the main brooder until they join the rest of the flock.