Pros and Cons for using sand

barnbum7 · Apr 16, 2016

This has been a fabulous thread for me as we decide on what to use for the coop floor. Many very helpful comments. I have horses so have plenty of shavings, but even in the brooder, they are a pain as I waste so many good ones to clean. I put some soil in one half and shavings in the others. I find I can add more soil to take away any odor--or stir it up a bit. Shavings--no way. So we'll be getting stream/brook/river sand--whatever they call it here in the Finger Lakes.

HEME--your comments have been so helpful. I love the tone of your sharings.

Thank you.

Domom · Jun 24, 2016

Hi guys, I'm very new to raising chickens and have been reading lots of good stuff on here, but this is my first post. We are getting ready to build our 4 girls a coop and run on an existing 8x10 concrete pad in our yard and plan to use sand in the run (construction sand is the plan, from a local gravel yard). The walls of the run are on pavers which will set it a little above the concrete pad and the pad is surrounded by a gravel border, so I have my fingers crossed that it will drain well. I've read in several posts here that wet sand will smell bad and it's been super wet in South Texas lately. Will PDZ work to keep the smell down and dry the sand faster, and do you think that there are any pros/cons to using a natural coop deodorizer like a vinegar and essential oil spray when I clean out the run and coop, which I do daily. We have a small coop now and run now and I have definitely noticed an odor in the run when it has rained for a couple of days. Just trying to be a conscientious neighbor and keep everything as clean and fresh as possible. Total newbie so any info is appreciated.

lynnehd · Jun 26, 2016

Domom said:
Hi guys, I'm very new to raising chickens and have been reading lots of good stuff on here, but this is my first post. We are getting ready to build our 4 girls a coop and run on an existing 8x10 concrete pad in our yard and plan to use sand in the run (construction sand is the plan, from a local gravel yard). The walls of the run are on pavers which will set it a little above the concrete pad and the pad is surrounded by a gravel border, so I have my fingers crossed that it will drain well. I've read in several posts here that wet sand will smell bad and it's been super wet in South Texas lately. Will PDZ work to keep the smell down and dry the sand faster, and do you think that there are any pros/cons to using a natural coop deodorizer like a vinegar and essential oil spray when I clean out the run and coop, which I do daily. We have a small coop now and run now and I have definitely noticed an odor in the run when it has rained for a couple of days. Just trying to be a conscientious neighbor and keep everything as clean and fresh as possible. Total newbie so any info is appreciated.

The best way to keep the sand smelling good is to 1) scoop the poop daily (takes 5 mins with a kitty litter scoop), and 2) protect the sand in the coop/run from excessive water. A roof over the run will help, and even a plastic tarp over the really rainy sides (more practical during the winter when it isn't as hot).
PDZ by itself just won't be enough to dry out wet sand, if it is bombarded with moisture.
But PDZ can be added to the sand to help absorb ammonia and control odors, and works very well at doing this.
I don't think a deodorizer spray is needed every day, but is nice when you do a deeper cleaning.

Domom · Jun 27, 2016

Thanks for the info. Our run will be covered so that should help, except the the days when the wind is blowing the rain sideways

. That said I do and will continue to scoop everyday. I'm hoping that the increase in run area will help distribute the poop so that the concentration over space is lower anyway. I guess I'll keep the PDZ in mind for when it does dry up some and will use the deodorizer when I do a weekly turn on the sand. Appreciate the tips, and can't wait to get the girls into their new home.

lynnehd · Jun 27, 2016

Domom said:
Thanks for the info. Our run will be covered so that should help, except the the days when the wind is blowing the rain sideways

. That said I do and will continue to scoop everyday. I'm hoping that the increase in run area will help distribute the poop so that the concentration over space is lower anyway. I guess I'll keep the PDZ in mind for when it does dry up some and will use the deodorizer when I do a weekly turn on the sand. Appreciate the tips, and can't wait to get the girls into their new home.

Sounds good!

If you do have one side where the rain tends to blow in the most, covering with a clear tarp or 6ml plastic 2/3 of the way up could make a big difference. I secure mine with pieces of lath screwed in around the edges or middle as needed.
If it's not the South West side, covering one side like that, even in the summer, shouldn't heat up the run much, but could really help keep the sand drier.

Also, raking it periodically can help as well.

I use Stall dry (same concept as PDZ, looks like sand, purchased at Feed store), inside my raised coop (vinyl floor), and in the area of the run directly under the coop. My chickens dust bath in that area under the coop nearly every day.
Then I have construction sand in the main area of the covered run.

Nofowlplay · Jul 5, 2016

great thread! I just finished cleaning out about 1/3 of the covered run and putting down new sand and peat moss. I will finish up the rest later this week. Looks and smells better already. Question though.......I am using a much
larger amount of sand this year. What about heat retention on hot days?

cavemanrich · Jul 8, 2016

Nofowlplay said:
great thread! I just finished cleaning out about 1/3 of the covered run and putting down new sand and peat moss. I will finish up the rest later this week. Looks and smells better already. Question though.......I am using a much
larger amount of sand this year. What about heat retention on hot days?

Here is my view and other observations.
Darker surfaces absorb more sunlight than light ones. Sand is usually light in color like white or yellow. Yes I do know of the black sand beaches in Hawaii. Lets not use that one. If you are in the open sun on a hot day at the beach, yes the sand can be hot. Does not burn my feet though. Scrape of a thin top layer, and sand is much less hot, or can be considered mild. Of course you know what it feels like if you try to cross an asphalt paved path right along the sand.
You state that your run is covered. Not sure if it is covered with just netting/hardware cloth. Simply adding a thin,inexpensive blue tarp on top will block the heat rays from the sun.
If you feel that the sand surface is too hot to touch, simply sprinkle lightly with water. (not soak)
I have sand in parts of my run area, and never observed any problems. Run area is part shaded and part open.
Hope this helps you.

Pros and Cons for using sand

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