Can hill sand be used for the run?

[Penske]

I want to add more sand to my run.

We live on an island and we have sand pits. I have read that it is not a good idea to use beach sand in the run, but could I get a truckload of hill sand??? It's dug out of the ground.

I have been buying play sand and it just went up to $9.00/bag and my DH thinks I am nuts paying for sand...I think he's right...

Thanks! Lisa

 

[Nemo]

Any sand on an island is most likely going to be water washed, and therefore rounded. Rough-grained sand is preferred because it provides a better grit. I would think as long as you supply some good grit, you should be able to add whatever sand you have.

Of course, I've only had chickens for eleven weeks now, so take my advice with a grain of sand -- er -- salt.

 

[SterlingAcres]

Yeah I wouldn't imagine it'd matter what type of sand you used either. They're just going to be pooping on it.

That being said, I just used some leftover playsand from my kids sandbox.

 

[my first peepers]

Penske, are you on MV?
Same question but different:
I have a dirt run, should I add sand to it or is the natural dirt okay? I gave them a dish of grit but they seem to like to take it from the kids' sand box better....?

 

[Penske]

Is that why people say "no beach sand"? Because it's rounded? I thought it was because of sand fleas and the salt...

They do have grit and take it when they need it. I just wanted sand as it is easier to rake and dries out nicely. About a 1/3 of the run is covered with a tin roof and that's the part I want to put sand in. Now it's dirt and gravel.


So...is hill sand ok? Anyone used it? I only read about people paying for play sand. Just want to be safe.

Thanks!

P.S. My First Peepers...I am on Nantucket.

 

[my first peepers]

I'm thinking playsand has been cleaned, so no toxins or bacteria or other yucky stuff that might be naturally occuring that you wouldn't want your kids (or chickens?) playing in/eating.
I lived on MV for about 5 years...I miss the sea air and what a great place to have chickens! How long have you been on Nantucket?

 

[cmcgoun]

It would be fine just for the run, I would provide a filtered grit for the chickens inside the coop. The sand would not be harmful to them though

 

[purr]

Oh now I want to get on the boat and spend the day on the island I might have to do that next week.