How to raise Backyard Chickens: Re: [CHICKENS-101] Bedding for New Chicks

When my chicks were tiny, I used newspaper with a layer of paper towels on top for traction. This worked fine for a few weeks, until they started eating the paper towel and newspaper, especially any bits that got wet. So I put in wood shavings, and they were eating the small bits. So I cleaned out the shavings and sifted a large batch through 1/4 inch hardware screening. All the small bits that fell through, I put aside to use for the big chickens, and put the remaining large flakes of shavings in with the chicks. These were much harder for them to eat and solved the problem.

Maureen and the girls at the
Rowdy Girls Ranch
Marana, AZ

In a message dated 7/30/2011 9:52:46 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time, odellover@yahoo.com writes:

I used to use peanut shells for new chicks years ago and never had a problem with chicks choking on it or eating it and getting plugged up. It's been 20+ years since I've been able to have chicks and was not able to find peanut shells. So I bought a pkg of wood shavings. I am not happy with them. Even with layers of paper towels, the chicks are eating them by scratching through the towels. The only redeeming factor is the shavings smell good. I've lost one chick of the 60 I ordered that I blame on the shavings. My question: are peanut shells not good to use anymore? Are they even available anywhere?

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