coop bedding- what do you prefer??

[subhanalah]

Well, it makes sense to me that sand would grow bacteria since live sand is how many saltwater fish tanks are filtered, with live sand (sand that has been colonized by the beneficial intriguing bacteria...but that is a different type of bacteria afterall.

 

[Michael OShay]

Yes, sand in fish tanks has oxygenated water (supplied by the circulation of the water which breaks the surface tension allowing it to absorb oxygen), flowing over the sand which causes beneficial, aerobic bacteria to thrive in the sand. If the pumps stop working so that the water is not absorbing oxygen, then anaerobic bacteria begins to thrive, replacing the dying aerobic bacteria (which require oxygen to thrive) and this in turn, will eventually lead to the fishes' death.

 

[subhanalah]

Yes, sand in fish tanks has oxygenated water (supplied by the circulation of the water which breaks the surface tension allowing it to absorb oxygen), flowing over the sand which causes beneficial, aerobic bacteria to thrive in the sand.  If the pumps stop working so that the water is not absorbing oxygen, then anaerobic bacteria begins to thrive, replacing the dying aerobic bacteria (which require oxygen to thrive) and this in turn, will eventually lead to the fishes' death.

So sand can grow both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.
Lol.

not talking chickens here
Really you would want your sand deep enough that it does create a deep sand bed so the top has aerobic and deep down it has the anaerobic which is denitrifying ("eats" nitrates). But that's for another board

Sorry for derailing your thread, OP.

 

[Michael OShay]

So sand can grow both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.
Lol.

not talking chickens here
Really you would want your sand deep enough that it does create a deep sand bed so the top has aerobic and deep down it has the anaerobic which is denitrifying ("eats" nitrates). But that's for another board

Sorry for derailing your thread, OP.

LOL! No problem, we were getting away from the realm of chickens anyway. Aquariums and fish are a whole different subject.

 

[subhanalah]

LOL!  No problem, we were getting away from the realm of chickens anyway.  Aquariums and fish are a whole different subject.

well, chickens are practically ducks and ponds are practically aquariums, so I think we're in bounds here lol.


Again, sorry OP! I couldn't help myself with the humor!

 

[QuebecChick]

I use a mix of sand and peat moss. I know I know, some will say it is too dusty and bad for breathing but here in dead cold Quebec Canada, I had to find an alternative that absorbs moisture a lot and doesn't freeze solid in -40C like sand alone does. We have had no problems and chickens are happy happy

 

[CountryGeorge]

I use the best pine shavings I can find and sprinkle it liberally with diatomaceous earth to help with bugs. I use nice hay in the nesting boxes but also sprinkle the bases with diatomaceous earth as well.

 

[Emmie595]

I use very fine shavings, and put a layer of food grade diatomaceous earth underneath it. The DE takes care of the flies and also the birds dustbath themselves so I have no bird lice. Good Luck!!!!

 

[troy4]

I like using straw or hay.I wouldn't suggest pine or wood shavings because they may try eating them and choke ( Escpeically chicks.)

 

[bahamabanty]

I have been using sand and a pooper scooper for the last year and love it. I have used pine shavings, hay and dry leaves, all started to stink after a few days. Sand keeps it really fresh,
Takes maybe 3 minutes every morning to scoop out my 4x4 coop. My 30'x30' run has mostly dry leaves, its like a forest floor.