Sand for my coop & run??

[Karen711]

I am going to be a first time chicken keeper. After all the reading I have been doing I think I am going to go for sand in both the coop & run. Seems to be the easiest way to keep both the coop & run the cleanest by just scooping. Is this good idea??

 

[Michael OShay]

I've used either sand or fine pea gravel for years and they both work very good as they drain quickly and are easy to clean. Just be sure and use a coarse river sand and not fine beach sand which can impact chicks' crops.

 

[drumstick diva]

agree

 

[PixieAndDust]

Yep, washed construction grade sand for chicken coop and run is the absolute best!

• Natural grit
• Excellent dust bath material
• Excellent next box material
• No impact crop from ingesting straw & hay
• Great drainage
• Dries super quick
• Dry sand = no bugs, bacteria, fungus
• Retains heat in winter
• Cools coop in summer
• Easy to "scoop" poo
• Clean feet & nails
• No "mud ball" toes

Sand is all that I have ever used.

Pictures are located in the "My Coop" tab

 

[Karen711]

Thanks so much sand it is

 

[Mr BrahmaRama]

Couple more tips. Bags of sand tend to have a lot of moisture. Before adding sand to my coop, I spread the sand out over my drive way and let it dry out for a few hours. Occasionally, if my hens haven't been venturing out much do to weather, the moisture load will start to build up inside. I just toss a few scoops of SweetPDZ in and mix it around in the sand. It absorbs moisture and eliminates odor. Lastly, get yourself a Dura Fork and wrap it in 1/8" hardware cloth. It works great for sifting out the solid waist.

Good Luck.

 

[Michael OShay]

Thanks so much sand it is

You're welcome.

 

[Karen711]

Awsome info thanks sooooo much. I will get some to have on hand and the rake as well.
Can't wait to get my chicks just to exciting!!!!!

 

[Karen711]

Do you have a fly problem at all?? I have read so much about flys with having chickens???

 

[Mr BrahmaRama]

No fly problem here. you just need to make sure you do a bit of clean up every day. If droppings collect, flies will gather.