10 bags sawdust/rice husk for 1000 chicks. Use always fresh & dry rice husk. Sawdust should not be wet and clumpy; otherwise, it will cause a fungus problem (brooder pneumonia).

2.3.1 Qualities of a Good Litter Material

• It must be cheap and locally available.
• It must be non-toxic, inert, and compressible.
• It must be soft, light in weight, and should have medium-sized particles.
• It must be free from mold growth.
• It must be free from sharp objects and other harmful materials.
• It should possess good insulating properties and protect chicks from extremes of climate.
• It must absorb moisture from droppings quickly and absorb minimal moisture from the atmosphere.
• It must release moisture and dry up rapidly and have the least tendency for cake formation.
• It must be amenable for the birds to scratch and play in the litter, as otherwise, they may develop vices such as pecking due to boredom.
• It must be biodegradable and form good-quality manure later.