Depth of sand in the coop.

[turbodog]

Quote:
Are you thinking the smaller rocks in the river sand will work as grit? I believe river rock/sand is usually smooth compared to the sharp edges needed for grit.

Yep, I believe it will work just fine. I use river sand with all the little pebbles in it too.

 

[elmo]

Quote:
Are you thinking the smaller rocks in the river sand will work as grit? I believe river rock/sand is usually smooth compared to the sharp edges needed for grit.

You're right about that. Poultry grit is made from granite chips which have rough, irregular sides, perfect for what chickens need. Poultry grit is cheap and a 5 lb bag lasts a long time.

 

[elmo]

I have about 2 inches of sand inside our coop, but I'm thinking of adding a couple more inches. Here's why: our two feather footed hens have developed the beginnings of bumblefoot, and I'm wondering whether it comes from the landing surface being too hard on their feet when they come down off the roost in the morning. I have the roosts at about 4 feet high (we have all bantams, good fliers), and I'm also thinking of lowering the roosts, too, to see if that helps.

 

[dbounds10]

Quote:
My coop is 6x4 and I used 4 bags of play sand from lowes in mine. I bought 6 bags but after 4 felt it was enough. I have not had to put in any more. I posted pictures farther up in this thread if you would like to see the inside.

 

[gale65]

Quote:
My coop is 6x4 and I used 4 bags of play sand from lowes in mine. I bought 6 bags but after 4 felt it was enough. I have not had to put in any more. I posted pictures farther up in this thread if you would like to see the inside.

Thank you. I'm going to ask dh if he can find bulk sand somewhere but if not I'll do the play sand.

 

[gale65]

Quote:
thanks for doing the math! Is there a special name for the sand (play, construction, etc) or is any sand ok?

 

[CarolynF]

Quote:
At the landscape supply where we got ours there were no choices, no name, just sand.

 

[ThinkingChickens]

So, is the kind of sand that they use for building okay for chickens. I freaked out when DH brought home the construction sand thinking the chickens could only have play sand. LOL see what i know.