Bedding for week old chicks.

[ClundRnc]

We bought pine shavings from TSC store, have 5 new chicks from McMurray Hatchery. They are EATING MACHINES! We covered up the bedding because they were pecking, scratching and appeared to be eating the Pine Shavings. They are about 6 days old. Should we keep the shaving covered up? or just leave them alone on the shavings?

 

[Luanne Hott]

Leave them they will be fine. I always put mine on shavings and have not had any issues because of it.

 

[ClundRnc]

Thanks Luanne! They seem to be playing with it more than eating it. It kind of freaked me out. I've never had chicks before and I don't want to kill them on the first time out!

 

[GC-Raptor]

I put down pine shavings and paper towels on top for 3 days, then just pine shavings, "Flake"

GC

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'd make sure they have access to grit for whatever pieces they are eating. If you feel it's excessive, then I'd swap it out for larger flake shavings or cover it up with paper towels.