Got sand? You should!

[chicktwins]

So my plan in our coop was to use pallets on the floor covered by ply wood (to elevate the floor) then use the heavy duty rubber stall mats that I had for the horses with shavings over it. After reading all of this about sand I would love to use sand.....can the sand be put over the mats? Would drainage then become a problem?

 

[ben is a terror]

does any know where to get a big long handled cat scoop? I have a hard time bending over. When I do my cat pan I sit on the floor I real wide scoop that I could using standing up would be great.

 

[spiritdance]

Quote:
I'm thinking of tapping holes in a flat shovel for the same reason! I'm feelin' kinda like the ole gray mare these days ... I ain't what I usta be!

 

[ben is a terror]

good idea the only thing is the sharp edges on the other side

 

[gale65]

I saw one post where someone got one of those reptile litter cleaners (probably like a kitty litter scoop) and taped the handle of it to a long handle.

 

[ll]

I purchased a kitty litter scoop with an extendable handle at a pet store - good luck with your search.

Question:

Any long term sand users? I am using sand, and my chicks are young - so alot of little pieces remain.
I am also throwing away alot of sand when scooping.

Will this get better when they get bigger? Or do you still find that little pieces remain?

I am still unsure if I should use sand or wood shavings in our coop. (ours are still in the brooder @ 1month)

 

[pawsplus]

Quote:
Best tool is a Fine Tines fork:

http://www.aplusequine.com/Fine_Tines.html

I have one for the horses, and am going to get a "Junior" size for the chicks. I'm going to add a layer of hardware cloth on the top b/c chicken poop is often small enough to go through the tines (even though they are closer together than most manure forks).

 

[ben is a terror]

http://cgi.ebay.com/CAT-LITTER-BOX-SCOOP-FORK-NO-STOOP-CLEANING-/380311250176?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item588c512500
found this on e-bay look like it might work 25.00
found this too
Cats Rule 00569 Stand Up and Scoop Telescoping Litter Scoop - Black and White 13.00

 

[PHarris985]

Quote:
Best tool is a Fine Tines fork:

http://www.aplusequine.com/newjunior.jpg

http://www.aplusequine.com/Fine_Tines.html

I have one for the horses, and am going to get a "Junior" size for the chicks. I'm going to add a layer of hardware cloth on the top b/c chicken poop is often small enough to go through the tines (even though they are closer together than most manure forks).

That rake looks great. I bought a snake scooper and taped it to a broom stick. This rake is bigger and looks like it would accomplish the job faster. Thanks for this idea.

 

[Karen 2739]

What type of sand should I get? I think this method sounds perfect!