[Indiana]

I have just bought a big brooder for my chicks about a metre long x  65cm wide with a growing area underneath. I have 5 in there at the moment. The supplier says that the brooder itself has a non slip surface and the chicks should be fine to grip the base. It's a sort of plastic tub affair. 
Do they need bedding? I have used shavings over the last couple of weeks but there seems to be some sort of doubt over whether shavings are ok for little chicks as they might eat it as well as there food.
If not shavings or a bare floor does anyone use something else?
Thank you

[JaK]

I use miscanthus as it's cheaper and still dust free. The chicks walk on it fine and it makes life easier when cleaning up after them. I buy it in a bale for about £6 and it lasts a good while.

[Indiana]

thank you for the information!  I'll try to pick some up today.