Brown Paper for Brooder Floor?

[DrRocco]

I'll be getting my first batch of chicks in the next couple days. I just put a brooder together today out of materials I had laying around. I plan on using pine shavings as litter, but not for the first few days. Currently, the floor is a piece of rigid foam board, covered in several layers of thick brown paper...like grocery bag paper. I've read from several sources that newspaper is too slick. What about brown paper? Like I said, I only plan to use this for the first few days until they wise up a little and are less likely to eat the litter.

 

[CityFarmer202]

I did large wood shavings right away and never had any eaten...My guess would be no??? I've never tried it before.
Congratulations on your new babies!! Chickens sure are a riot!

 

[LPeaslee]

The paper may still be too slick. If you notice that they are slipping when they walk, just throw down a layer of paper towels.

I just used paper towels over the wood shavings for the first week. Cleanup was easy, just roll up and toss.

 

[Folly's place]

I agree about the brown paper being slick. I have used newspaper, but would put shavings over it. Rigid foam board??? Even younger chicks will peck and eat that stuff. Mary

 

[3riverschick]

I'll be getting my first batch of chicks in the next couple days. I just put a brooder together today out of materials I had laying around. I plan on using pine shavings as litter, but not for the first few days. Currently, the floor is a piece of rigid foam board, covered in several layers of thick brown paper...like grocery bag paper. I've read from several sources that newspaper is too slick. What about brown paper? Like I said, I only plan to use this for the first few days until they wise up a little and are less likely to eat the litter.

Hi DrRocco and

Brown paper is too slick. You need something the chicks can get a purchase on with their feet. So they don't get "spraddle leg". A condition where their feet splay out from side to side like they are 1/2 way doing the splits. How many chicks do you have? Several layers of heavy duty paper toweling works. So does the heavier weight of the waffle weave drawer liner they sell at Dollar General. Something with a "texture" they can get a grip on with their little feet.
Best Success,
Karen in western PA, USA

 

[DrRocco]

I figured they'd get into the foam. That's one reason why I put the paper down. The other reason is so I can just roll it all up and remove everything when it's time for a bedding change. I'll go ahead and do the pine shavings with paper towels over the top. I've also read about people doing that. I was hoping that the brown paper would provide enough traction that I could forego that.

I've got 10 chicks on the way. I built the brooder out of some wire shelving I took out of a closet. It's 44" X 44" X 18". I misplaced my red heat lamp so I'll have to get another one in the morning.

 

[3riverschick]

I figured they'd get into the foam. That's one reason why I put the paper down. The other reason is so I can just roll it all up and remove everything when it's time for a bedding change. I'll go ahead and do the pine shavings with paper towels over the top. I've also read about people doing that. I was hoping that the brown paper would provide enough traction that I could forego that.

I've got 10 chicks on the way. I built the brooder out of some wire shelving I took out of a closet. It's 44" X 44" X 18". I misplaced my red heat lamp so I'll have to get another one in the morning.

\

It's summer. I took out my 250 red heat lamps and put in 60 watts instead. The chicks are much happier.
You could use 100. Just need to create a warm spot, not heat the whole brooder. Unless they are broilers
which need careful monitoring.
Best,
Karen

 

[LPeaslee]

I figured they'd get into the foam. That's one reason why I put the paper down. The other reason is so I can just roll it all up and remove everything when it's time for a bedding change. I'll go ahead and do the pine shavings with paper towels over the top. I've also read about people doing that. I was hoping that the brown paper would provide enough traction that I could forego that. I've got 10 chicks on the way. I built the brooder out of some wire shelving I took out of a closet. It's 44" X 44" X 18". I misplaced my red heat lamp so I'll have to get another one in the morning.

I didn't know this until I broke my 250w red Bull and went to the local farm supply to pick up another, but the "chicken lady" told me the red color isn't necessary unless the chick's are picking at colored spots on the other chick's or if any of them is bleeding. The red light just makes everything the same color, red. Any bulb will work as long as it will maintain 95 degrees Fahrenheit, in an area large enough that all of your chick's can comfortably fit.