has anyone put sand in their whole coop? how did it work?

[sandmbaker]

I have been thinking about putting sand down in my coop instead of using cedar chips. Has anyone ever done this and how did it turn out? did it work better when it rained instead of poopy mud?

 

[Mehjr10]

From reading the post here, I put it in my coop on the floor.. Floor is covered in FRP Wall paneling. Love it , I have a cat litter scoop attached to a long piece of 1/2" cpvc for scooping the floor. I used the construction sand.

The areas that get wet when they come in, what little it has rained here. I just shake some dry sand over the area and then scrape it off when it dries.

 

[7L Farm]

I don't know much about the climate where you live I'm guessing its cold so I would use the deep litter method with pine shavings in the coop & sand in the run. Then in the winter add leaves to the run . They get bored in the winter & love to scratch around in the leaves.

 

[Mtn Laurel]

Check out this thread about sand in the coop. Based on it, I put sand in mine and love it.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/444759/got-sand-you-should

 

[sandmbaker]

Thanks everyone. I put down sand after reading everything about it. Its so funny watching my chickens when I put something new in. they stand on the side and act scared lol it takes them a good 15 min before one of them will start walking on it, then the rest follow

 

[mickey328]

After reading so much positive stuff here, I wish we could. But our coop/run will be portable and will be moved every few days...and sand would just make the thing too danged heavy

 

[galefrances]

I'm using pine shavings right now, deep litter method for the upcoming winter. (Buffalo, NY area) This I understand will keep the coop warmer. Then this spring, I'll change over to the sand. PDZ actually, the one they use for horse stalls. I'm using this stuff on the poop board now and I love it. So easy to clean with a kitty litter scoop. It's a bit pricey at first, but you don't have to replace it so it's a one time investment. Pine shavings may be cheaper to start, but with having to either change or add to you're spending as much if not more in the long run. I haven't decided what to use in the run now that's it's pretty much dirt.