[Rhys Jones]

At what age can I start using wood shavings as bedding for chicks? Been using paper towels up till now, but would much rather use shavings!! 

Rhys

[OhLaLa]

Shavings not really recommended for chicks.
For chicks I use cardboard. You can buy it ready made in rolls, this sort of thing:
 
http://www.macropackaging.co.uk/9642corrugatedrolls-c-51.html
 
To make home made, take a flat sheet of cardboard, run a knife in line with each of the corrogated inner lining to break the top layer of cardboard (this roughens the surface to help them balance, walk [and not get splayed legs]).
 
 

[chrismahon]

Need to be very careful Rhys. Some shavings are very coarse and will cut their feet to pieces. We use kitchen towel for the first two weeks then very fine wood shavings. But we have used Aubiose and moped the blood up and bandaged where necessary. We have also used kiln dried sand (used to stabilise block paving) which was great but after sieving it for 4 weeks and the stink!!!!

[hughesy]

I've always used shavings as soon as they come out of the incubator. Never had any problems at all.

[HesterF]

Didn't realise it was a problem (but I've only got a duckling and he's been fine with shavings). What I have noticed is that the shavings you buy from pet shops or the supermarket intended for pet rabbits etc. are much softer than the bales you buy from country stores intended for horses. They are also three times the price but might be worth it for little chicks to have happy feet.

H

[Mammyshaz]

I read about shavings being a problem. I have hatching eggs and was hoping to use Nedzbeds ( a very finely chopped straw ) which I use for the adults. Would this cause any problems?

[Rhys Jones]

Thanks for the replys so far guys! The stuff I was intending on using was chainsaw shavings! Any issues here?

Rhys