What is wrong with play sand as the substrate for a chicken run?

[bridgetchicken]

I read that you should avoid using play sand in the chicken run. They suggested construction sand. My question is what exactly is so bad with play sand?

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I read that you should avoid using play sand in the chicken run. They suggested construction sand. My question is what exactly is so bad with play sand?

Pretty sure it is too fine and will just pack up inside the bird

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

It's a breeding ground for E.coli. A lot of sand has it. Not to mention, with play sand, there could be added stuff in it that may be harmful to your chickens (though not to children).

 

[Burm]

I read that you should avoid using play sand in the chicken run. They suggested construction sand. My question is what exactly is so bad with play sand?

I use the play sand from Home Depot. It has small pebbles and is more course than the fine play sand at Lowes. I have been using sand for years and have never had a problem with it being dusty. Just use a spray bottle with water to wet it down if you think it is too dusty. I use a kitty litter scoop in the coop and run each morning. It takes about 5 minutes to clean. When I change the sand in the coop, I dump it in the run.