Here is a thread that gives all the answers about sand. I agree with Michael OSHay , about using course sand. I use sand that I get from my local cement and building supply. The course sand is used for concrete. That is the one to use. The fine sand is for tuckpointing. It is the one...
Deep litter method is not ideal for all coops. That is my opinion, I speak from practical terms. If you have a small coop and few chickens. sand or pine shavings will do fine. You clean up as often as needed. If you have a large coop with many chickens, deep litter will be more...
In my opinion chickens are the easiest to keep. Quail ....... will escape if you let them. Ducks need water to swim in (if you want them to be happy, ) Guineas, never had them , but understand that they like to stay in trees. Not sure if they like to run away. They are good guard fowl...