Baby Chicks and sand?

[Wheels]

I am expecting 28 babies tomorrow. Is it ok to use sand in their brooder?

 

[Supermommy486]

That's what I have in my brooders right now. BUT for the first week or two I think your supposed to cover the flooring with paper towels so they don't confuse it as food. I hope one of the more knowledgeable people will chime in on that. Also when they are old enough to get treats it will double as grit for them.
ETA: Congrats!!

 

[ShysCreations]

I concur with the other respondent, put paper towels down for the first couple weeks. Chicks just don't distinguish food. I made the mistake of putting some on wood shavings too early, lost one. Wood shavings also stink very soon so I stopped using shavings. I then tried wood pellets but as these get wet they look exactly like chick crumbles. Plan C--Went to PetCo/Petsmart for small animal bedding pellets made from recycled newspapers and odor control. Also picked up some bedding with mint smell. Much better success!!!

 

[homeschoolmama]

I love sand for my brooders! This is only by second batch of chicks but I find it very easy to keep clean-use a kitty litter scoop to clean out the brooders every day. And they love to dust themselves in it. I have a bunch of different ages out in the brooders right now. For the 1st batch I dutifully covered the sand w/ paper towels for the 1st half a week or so. But then I started going to the feed store as they got different breeds in and would buy a couple at a time over a couple of weeks. I did start a 2nd brooder for the youngest ones. But the new chicks would go into the brooder w/ no paper towel covering at all and they seemed fine. Interestingly, no pasty butt at all.

 

[Delphinium]

What kind of sand do you use? I noticed today that my chicks were trying to give themselves a dust bath in the small dish of grit I put out for them.... they would probably love some sand.

 

[Supermommy486]

Quote:
I went to home depot and got the quick crete (sp?) play ground sand. I believe whatever you get it has to be chem free.

 

[Wheels]

Thanks for your quick responses. I can now make a inform decision.

 

[Debbiekw]

Quote:

I went to home depot and got the quick crete (sp?) play ground sand. I believe whatever you get it has to be chem free.

From what I understand, you are supposed to use construction sand or all-purpose sand because these are washed. Playground sand is not washed.