Best Flooring/ Bedding

[epmchickens]

I agree keltara. Multi purpose sand is the way to go. I free range so I just have dirt in the runs but in the main coop and new one I'm building the sand is the way to go. It takes me about 10 minutes a day to make the coop spotless and I'm cleaning up after 53 chickens, 2 ducks, and my turkey. So cheap and easy!

 

[jgarreth]

I have a quick question about the sand. My birds won't be free range per say...they have a run but there's no grass and their coop is a concrete slab currently. I am using pine shavings/straw combo right now and it's gross. lol Their current outside run is about 30x20 and they already love going out in it. It's just dirt but can get very muddy when it rains but when it's dry, they love taking dirt baths. If I used the sand, should I just use the sand inside the coop?? I would love to have a much easier job of cleaning and no stinky coop. Indiana summers get super hot and humid and I don't even want to think about the smell this summer.

 

[epmchickens]

Lots of people seem to use it outside too. They'll use it as grit and as it breaks down into dust overtime it'll be great for dust baths. If you do use it outside i'd maybe lay it on a little thicker because it will keep the ground much dryer than mud but it may get mixed up with the mud overtime. Chicken mud is gross lol. My runs get muddy too near the gate because the yard is on a hill and it does get smelly sometimes but not too bad. You could always throw straw in the yards too. It won't get as moldy as fast as hay will and the birds loooooooove to dig through it. Or even leaves? Both will dry out in the sun so it won't be as yucky as in the coop.

 

[epmchickens]

How many do you have? Because the sand is just rake and scoop and done.

 

[fourwestboys]

Is the commercial grade sand the same as the washed plaster sand from Lowes?

 

[epmchickens]

No idea. I use the multipurpose sand by quickcrete. I know it contains silica which can be bad for their lungs overtime but since mine only roost in their coop I recommend it. Cheap and easy.

 

[fourwestboys]

I am new to all of this but I have decided right away to go with sand after researching the best kinds of bedding and flooring for my little ones. I just want to be sure to get the right kind of sand. I looked online at Lowes and Home Depot and Home Depot has a 100 lb. bag of Quikrete Commercial Sand for $ 7.99 but I am still not sure if it is the right kind of sand. I know I am looking for construction grade but this Commercial grade sand by Quikrete says "for all industrial and construction applications". is this the right sand? Or am I looking for the commercial grade sand at Lowes that says "washed plaster" on the bag? I want to make sure I don't cause any respiratory problems for my girls.

 

[fourwestboys]

I should also mention the sand will be used in the run as well so I am a little worried about the all-purpose sand.

 

[peyton miller]

HI, what do you have your chicks in? I have my chicks in my barn to in a tub and they have a heat lamp on then but you have to have one side warm and the ether side cooler for them to go and cool of. if you have you chicks in a tub you can use wood shavings and they have them at tractor supply.

 

[fourwestboys]

My chicks are currently in a brooder with wood shavings. I am just making plans and getting ready for the big day when the girls move to the coop, still a few weeks away. I am trying to learn and prepare as much as I can before the big day.