Floor Material for Small Coop and Run

[tdespres]

I use the sand method and it is FAR superior to anything i have used before. No smell. Cool for the feet. Very easy to keep clean. The chickens love it.i don't have disease ever running through my flock. I don't know what those folks are talking about that don't like it. It's the best bang for your buck, and is easy to spread on your lawn.i am currently using a finer sand, but will switch to a construction grade after this.i just use a rake, and take the poop out like kitty litter.so much easier than shavings or straw.

 

[iwiw60]

I've been using pine wood shavings but must admit I like the idea of using sand. But with the freezing temps we have during the winter months I'm fearful for frostbite...I mean it gets COLD here...that's my dilemma.

 

[tpayne156]

I may be new but DO NOT USE SAND!!!!!! sand harbors bacteria and diseases and parasites like non other sand is the worst thing you can possibly have for your beautiful chickens

Why

 

[sammy7100]

I totally agree.
I use sand in the run and pine shavings in the coop. My chickens are very happy and healthy.

 

[Cluckies]

I too use sand in the run and pine shavings in the Henhouse with sweet PDZ in the poop trays. My chickens are happy, healthy and beautiful.

 

[iwiw60]

That's exactly what I use, too. Because our winters get pretty brutal with temps down as low as -20 I think I will "top off" my pine shavings with some nice soft straw for added insulation. And I absolutely LUV my Sweet PDZ in my poop tray as you can see !

 

[cowchipss]

Hi folks!
I'm in south Florida so good or bad, most of our 'dirt' down here is made up of sand and there is really no way of getting around it. I guess we will have to do our best to keep the area as clean as possible...As far as the pine shavings go, that's what I'm using in my coop now and I'd like to know if you all compost it? I've heard it's really hard for the pine to break down but I'd love to throw it in my composter if I could? What do you do with the used shavings and what do you recommend?

SlowQueen, did you add dirt or just use what already there? Thanks!

 

[chick n goat ma]

Hi SlowQueen
All we have here in North Central Florida is sand too. (Florida is one big sand bar) I use pine shavings in my 8 beautiful chucks coop. I just sweep the shitty chips into the sand in the run when I clean out the coop (about once a week,) , It all breaks down quite quickly given Florida's constant thunderstorms. I built the coop in the goats pen (about 500 sq ft) . the chucks and goats poop seems to have turned all the sand in the pen into pretty decent soil. I have grown a few decent avocado trees in large pots(away from the reach of the goats) using this sand /hay/pine chip /poop and oak leaf soil. They all get to free range most of the day on the pasture bit of my little acreage in the woods.

 

[woodboat]

Thank you iwiw60 for the picture of your Sweet PDZ tray. Is it filled 100% with PDZ? What type of rake do you use to clean up? Thanks again for your time...

 

[iwiw60]

Thank you iwiw60 for the picture of your Sweet PDZ tray. Is it filled 100% with PDZ? What type of rake do you use to clean up? Thanks again for your time...

No...mainly because PDZ isn't cheap. I put 1 bag of play sand as the bottom half-layer, then poured the PDZ as the top layer...works GREAT!