For those who use sand in run - is it safe to scatter food in sand? Need grit?

[luvh3ns]

Hi noob here! I have a run with an all construction-grade sand floor because where I live only has a concrete "yard" and sod just doesn't seem manageable to keep alive. Is it safe for me to scatter/bury scratch or dried mealworms in the sand for them to dig around and find? I'm worried they'll end up accidentally eating too much sand, or am I just being ridiculous because they need grit anyway?

Also, if they have this sand available, do they still also need a separate source of grit?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Chris09]

It's fine.

 

[luvh3ns]

Great, thanks!!!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

It is perfectly safe to scatter food on sand - but I would still offer actual grit. Sand is small and tends to be fairly smooth and consistent in shape/size, grit is larger and has sharper edges/irregular shapes and sizes and that is what works to really grind up food the bird has taken in. Sand will really just pass right on through the digestive tract along with the food it is supposed to be helping to grind, vs staying in the gizzard doing it's job

 

[Chris09]

All purpose sand works great as a grit, there is large and small particulate with in it and does the job.
Now play sand is to small is a waste.

 

[luvh3ns]

Thanks Ol Grey and Chris. I am using commercial grade medium sand.

Ol Grey, does it make a difference if we are talking bantams? My girls are only 3 months old and smaller than rabbits!