Ducks and Sand

[Jjfester]

We are currently getting ready to start building a new chicken coop for our chickens and are in research mode again, our hope is to get 2 or 3 ducks eventually and I want to make sure what we build is functional for both.

We were considering adding a sand, DE, and PDF mix to the floor of the coop instead of wood chips, but I am wondering if this would also be suitable for ducks? I know their poo can be a bit more wet than chickens and am wondering if anyone has any success with sand with ducks or if we should keep with the wood shavings?

We live in Washington state so it can get wet, but they will have a dry coop with the exception of what they bring in themselves (water and food stays outside).

Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

 

[Ratchnick]

The issue with sand is it has to be dry more often then wet or it will stink. Reguardless of run substrate, a covered run will help prevent bumble foot.

 

[Jjfester]

The issue with sand is it has to be dry more often then wet or it will stink. Reguardless of run substrate, a covered run will help prevent bumble foot.

Our birds free range in our yard with bird netting above the whole back yard, the sand would be for the inside of the coop, not the run.

 

[Ratchnick]

This video will show you what your getting into.