Pine shavings in brooder

[LOVEIGEE]

Can you give me the pros and cons of putting pine shavings in the brooder. The chicks are 1 week old and I'm having to change paper towels at least 4 or 5 times a day. I even wake up at night and have to change them. I can't stand to see them try to sleep with the poo on the towels. Isn't cleanliness the most important thing...to tell you the truth, this is my 2nd batch (only 4) and I can't remember when I put shavings in the brooder last time. My husband and I both work and when I get home, it's just gross..........I love them very much and want only the best for them. Thank ya'll so much.....

 

[jeepguy982001]

I'm no expert but i have 4 week old dominique chicks i've had on pine shavings since they were day olds. I haven't noticed any problems or smell. The only thing i've noticed is i spend alot of time changing water and picking through the food tray cuz they get wood chips in it. And mine love to scratch and dig everywhere. Hope this helps.

 

[kimf]

Not sure I can speak to pros and cons, I am a first time chicken owner and have only used pine in the brooder. That being said...love it. Easy to clean and keep up with, no smell, long lasting. I put a good 3 inches or son in and give it a stir every few days. They are 4 weeks old and I have changed it twice. I took the whole brooder (big plastic bin) out by the location the coop is being built and dumped it. Figured I would start the compost pile. I didn't even have to wipe out the brooder.

 

[LOVEIGEE]

Thank you so much for the replies. It's wearing me out trying to keep the towels clean. I've heard of them eating them and Lord knows I don't want that! I think I'm going to try replacing the towels this afternoon...it's just I can't watch them all day tomorrow to see how they do.......

 

[gritsar]

I have used pine shavings multiple times in my brooders and had absolutely no problems. I don't do the paper towels, just pine shavings from the start.

IMO, you can go too far with cleanliness where chickens are concerned. Being exposed to the different messes, i.e., germs is how they jumpstart their immune systems.

With the pine shavings you will see them pick a piece up from time to time. They are like little children, everything has to go in the mouth. Multiple batches of chicks and I've never had a problem. My broody raised chicks are in the coops and around all the nastiness. They grow up strong and healthy.

 

[LOVEIGEE]

Thank you, thank you, thank you......

 

[muddyhorse]

I use ground corn cobs, they work great. they have much less dust. I haven't had problems with them eating it.

 

[LOVEIGEE]

Just put shavings in........hopefully have a full night sleep tonight....thank you so much! They are picking it up and chasing each other....too cute......I'll post pictures soon!

 

[RioLindoAz]

The only cons I can see to pine shavings are chicks kicking them out of the brooder making a mess outside, and having to change the water 12 times a day because of the chicks kicking shavings into it.
You can install a rabbit waterer to get rid of this issue. They get used to it very quickly, and you only have to change the water once a day.

 

[cmom]

I use course pine shavings and have had no problems with them. I also have a brooder cabinet that I put my day old chicks in. For the first day or two I put some paper towel on the bottom.