Anyone use SAND in the run/coop

[Miks]

I’ve always used sand in the coop and top part of their beds. I read somewhere to mix in diatomaceous earth with the sand and I do so every time I replace it. The extendable metal cat litter scoop cleans it up quickly and easily. No mess. The run area has pavers underneath the coop so I place the sand on top of the pavers. I replace it all once every year. Then put down new bags and new diatomaceous earth. In the top bed portion I replace the sand area every few months. It takes less than a full bag of sand and is always clean. They love to dust bathe in their fresh sand. We have always used play sand. We also use the silicone nesting pads. They shake of and keep eggs clean.

 

[Debby R]

I am fortunate to have FL Silica and Sand company near me so have used coarse sand in my run for years. I have read that play sand and DE are bad for the chickens’ lungs because of the high dust content. What do you know of that?

 

[ChookaPete]

Part of the yard is sandy, while part of the yard is more clay-rich.

The chooks hang out wherever they like during the day.


In the coop- the floor is concrete covered in straw and dead leaves. When a lot of poop has accumulated, I muck it out and put it around the garden, and replace with fresh straw and dead leaves.