Any top soil/dirt brand recommendations??

[LaceyJune]

Good afternoon!!
I am currently finishing up my coop build for my girls, and just have the run left, so wirh that I want my chooks to have quality dirt safe from any sprays or dyes possible.
So, I was curious if anyone has any recommendations or thoughts on any brands they know and trust.
Thank you!

 

[nuthatched]

The dirt you have. Or fresh mulch or Peet moss.

 

[LaceyJune]

I sadly I do not have access to dirt in my backyard, it's all sand, so I had to lay landscaping fabric down where the coop is now located.
So, yes probably peet moss is what I'm looking for.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I sadly I do not have access to dirt in my backyard, it's all sand, so I had to lay landscaping fabric down where the coop is now located.

Is the landscaping fabric strictly under a solid coop floor, or is it under the whole area? If it's anywhere the chickens can access, I'd strongly suggest removing it all - they will tear it up and then it becomes an ingestion risk.

Nothing wrong with sand if that's what's natural to your environment. I wouldn't bring in dirt just for the sake of having dirt.

 

[LaceyJune]

The landscaping fabric is directly on the sand underneath.
But Isn't sand not good for chickens?
I read that sand can give chickens respiratory issues.

 

[rosemarythyme]

The landscaping fabric is directly on the sand underneath.
But Isn't sand not good for chickens?
I read that sand can give chickens respiratory issues.

How far down is the fabric? Chickens can dig down as far as a foot, and landscape fabric tears up easily into shreds which are hard to get rid of.

If sand is natural to your environment I'd take advantage of that and just stick with that as your litter. I don't know about respiratory issues specifically with sand but my guess is its probably more common with sand marketed for specific construction purposes being more dusty than other types of sand? As long as the area is well ventilated I can't imagine whatever is native to your area would be a problem, as it would exist all around the chicken set up regardless.

Since you don't specify where you're at, might want to check with other keepers in your general area (or search for your state thread here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/where-am-i-where-are-you.26/) and see how others in your climate manage their litter.

 

[nuthatched]

The landscaping fabric is directly on the sand underneath.
But Isn't sand not good for chickens?
I read that sand can give chickens respiratory issues.

Your sand is fine since it's already there.

 

[JedJackson]

I've never heard of sand causing respiratory issues for chickens. It may or may not be true. But I know dried out peat moss can cause respiratory issues in humans, so I would avoid that ingredient if you do buy topsoil.

 

[LaceyJune]

Well, I already applied the fabric, and I don't want tye expensive landscaping fabric to go to total waste, so I think the only option for me is to follow through with the top soil directly on top.

 

[LaceyJune]

Do you think it's still okay if I still continue to use the landscaping fabric?
And later on just let the natural sand from my backyard and my top soil to come just come together on its own?