Coop sand in winter

[cosbackyard]

So this year I switched from straw to sand in the coop. It's fantastic. But now it's winter and you know how ducks are... wet mess everywhere even without water in the coop. That sand has turned to a frozen brick. The coop is insulated underneath but I'm concerned that it's too cold for them.

Has anyone in a cold climate used sand year-round?

 

[Going Quackers]

No, for that reason alone. I tried sand in a brooder with ducks once, that was more than enough to turn me off, for good.

I use shavings and turn the bedding several times a week, adding as needed. It holds up well against the long, cold winter.