Right bedding to raise chicks

Bedding or litter is used in the brooder house to absorb droppings and help the chicks stay warm.

Cover the floor of the broiler room with litter 3 to 4 inches deep. Daily, remove any clumped litter and stir the remaining litter so it absorbs moisture better and lasts longer.

You may need to change the litter out once a week or so, depending on its cleanliness.

Chicks may mistake small sawdust particles as food, so avoid using it until the chicks mature at least a week.

Slick bedding, such as newspapers and shredded paper, shouldn’t be used after two days, as the chicks can’t get proper footing on the slick surface, causing their legs to splay out.

This can lead to leg deformities, which fast-growing meat chickens are already at risk for.

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