I am wondering about using sand in my enclosure - it would be really nice, but I'm thinking about winter... I live where elevation weather is a factor, I have them protected from wind, yet with plenty of ventilation and circulation ~ and am planning on placing hay bales along the sides, stepping them up along the curve of the dome... for insulation. I'm concerned about how cold the floor would be, or if it matters... I had chickens before, living where winter was not nearly as severe, and they did fine... I know it would be great the other 3 seasons, but it is common for our winter to last 6 long months... October through April.... I saw a new beehive today, only about 9 feet off the ground. I know folks are saying that we're in for an early and harsh winter this year, but the bees are never wrong. 9 feet is very low. I've seen them closer to 18 feet high, that year we had 8 feet of snow in one storm... plus loads of snow from other storms, leaving me with approximately 10' snowbanks into my driveway.
Sand would be so nice... a 5 gallon bucket and a kitty litter scooper...