pack and play brooder question

[littlelune810]

I am getting my chicks tomorrow, 2 Australorps and 2 Buckeyes. We have decided to use our sons Pack n Play as a brooder since its old and he climbs out of it anyway. Any advice for what to line the bottom with? We have the piece that it comes with to place in the bottom, should I just use that and put the pine shavings directly on top of it, or sould I do a layer of cardboard or newspapers in between the bottom piece and the pine? Thanks!

 

[Jensownzoo]

Maybe wrap the bottom piece in some thick plastic first in case you need to clean it for some reason?

I lined my brooder with puppy pads then put paper towels over that for the first week until I was confident that the chicks wouldn't fill their crops with the loose bedding and get impacted. Some people put the shavings down then put paper towels over that. Some use old towels or rubber shelf liner. Anything that gives the chicks a non-slippery footing would work.