Got sand? You should!

[NLKN9]

I'm getting my first chicks at the end of this month! My brooder is set up and I plan on using river sand for the bedding. My question is do I still need to provide grit? My thinking is no but I want to defer to those that have already raised chicks successfully.

We still provide a small feeder with oyster shells so that they have it if they need it, but honestly I don't know that if it is necessary or not. We don't mix it into their feed. Here is a great blog that really helped us in making our decision regarding the sand. http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/09/chicken-coop-bedding-sand-litter.html Great tips! I forget to mention earlier that the girls LOVE their dust baths with the sand. No need to provide a container for them to dust bathe in...they have made little dusting areas on their own in the corners of the run!

 

[DufferChick]

Yesterday I cleaned out the dusty bedding of pine shavings from my raised coop. Replaced it with sand. Already loving it, even though the temperatures are freezing. I only needed to use three 50# bags. Also crafted a poop board. I am very pleased.

In the Spring I will be moving the coop and run, which will require leveling the site (probably with gravel). Then I will also use sand on the lower coop floor. At this time there is no sub-floor. It currently has mixed deep litter. I will put the sand on top of the new gravel base. We will trench the water so that the sand floor doesn't get soaked from below. Looking forward to it!

 

[Deaux Chicks]

Thanks. Enjoyed the article and have read elsewhere about sand, too. So, sand it will be! My son will assemble my coop next week although it will be a while before my babies can live in it (they are still eggs now)! My goodness, I feel like a Mother Hen!!

 

[chick rookie]

Chellejeff=

 

[chiknhurder]

While the sand may be easier for those who use it to keep it clean, maybe you should consider what's best for the chickens. There's plenty of info out there that says sand in the brooder or coop/run is a bad idea. I use shavings and I don't pick out the poop. I toss ALL of the shavings into my compost pile.

Some key points to consider. Much of this information has been taken from the blog at Fresh Eggs Daily.



Sand harbors harmful bacteria like coccidiosis, E. coli and other dangers.

It has no insulation properties. In hot weather, it's hot and in cold weather, it's cold, unlike wood shavings.

It can retain moisture when it's cool and damp and although you remove the visible poop a virtual breeding ground for bacteria remains.

Shavings compost and sand does not. It will eventually need to be replaced. Imagine shoveling moist sand OUT of your coop and into a wheel barrow to dump into a pile that possibly contains E. coli or coccidiosis for the kids or pets to play and dig in.



There's plenty of info in the link below.

http://www.fresh-eggs-daily.com/2013/07/the-real-scoop-on-using-sand-in-your.html


Here's a podcast with some info: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/backyardpoultry/2013/06/24/backyard-poultry-with-the-chicken-whisperer

 

[jenniemig]

IMO sand is the better choice. BUT, different things work for different people in different places.

Sand does not harbor anymore bacteria than an absorbent shaving. Sand is excellent as far as drainage goes unless there is a plastic liner or maybe a clay soil underneath. Living near the coast I can say that on a cool day sand that is in the sunshine is warm, and on a hot day sand that is in the shade is cool. I will be using sand in my coop and run. Here in Florida we get lots of rain, and once the vegetation in the run is gone you're left with mud.

But, like I said what works for one may not for the other.

 

[Deaux Chicks]

I'll be getting my 1st chicks end if Feb so I cannot speak from any chicken experience. Only make the best decision I can based on lots of reading. I'm starting with sand mostly because I know under the cypress shavings I have in my gardens I often find mold. I don't want my chickens scratching only to find mold. I live in New Orleans which has long, hot, humid summers. I am looking to keep moisture away. My coop design has the run completely covered so I don't believe the sand will be hot like we experience on our bare feet at a beach. As far as sand in the brooder, I read that the babies may not be able to tell food from sand and it was recommended that for the first 3-4days use that cushiony shelf liner until the babies really know their food and they can transition to sand after that. Also, river sand is not real fine like the sand box play sand and that's suppose to be a good thing. Thank you to everyone who posts here so people like me can read and learn.

 

[swimM4r]

Deaux, i am new to chickens too! I have got my 9 Chicks already, they are two weeks old on Friday! by your logic sand seems like the best choice for you (keeping in mind im beyond new), However i would start with wood shavings. The chicks i have try to eat the wood shavings regularly. Only now are they kinda getting the hang of food vs. wood shavings. The sand might be confusing to them. Id go wood shavings for the first 6 to 8 weeks. I honestly could be way wrong here about the sand but i know the wood shavings have worked well with them so far. I too am appreciative of all the experienced members and what ive learned from this site so far.

 

[Deaux Chicks]

Thanks for the input. Definitely something to consider. I haven't bought any bedding to date. Congrats in your new flock!

 

[Couture Family]

When my husband suggested using it I protested. But boy am I glad he didn't listen (this once). It is so easy! I just go out and scoop once a day or every few days even and it's easy as pie. Never smells (use DE), easy to scoop out, cheap to buy, and so much cleaner than shavings. The best way to go for sure!