HELP!! SAND!!

[LosPollitos]

Newbie to chickens. We are about to move our chicks to the coop, but we have to get their sand. I have an option for Bank Run with dirt or without dirt. Which would be better?

 

[DobieLover]

Where are you located in the world?
I, personally, would never use sand as I don't want to have to clean out the run and sand isn't a good medium for composting. I use a thick layer of wood chips.

 

[LosPollitos]

We are in Ohio. Our soil here is very much clay so we would be putting the scooped sand in our garden to help with that.

 

[DobieLover]

We are in Ohio. Our soil here is very much clay so we would be putting the scooped sand in our garden to help with that.

I'm in NY and also have heavy clay soil. The wood chips break down and cold compost with the poop and make great organic amendments for heavy clay soil. And the added bonus is I get them for free from a Town Highway Department. If your area offers curbside pickup of branches they typically chip them up and offer them to residents.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
I also would never use sand at the coop! Bagged shavings for livestock bedding, dried leaves from the yard, chips from folks with chippers, all much better.
Folks who use sand like to poop scoop daily, live in very dry climates, never frozen, and have very few birds. Many people try sand, hate it, and then get to shovel the stinking mess out in a year or two.
Organic materials like shavings and chips turn into lovely garden amendments, and are so much easier to deal with!
Mary

 

[hayley3]

I'm in NY and also have heavy clay soil. The wood chips break down and cold compost with the poop and make great organic amendments for heavy clay soil. And the added bonus is I get them for free from a Town Highway Department. If your area offers curbside pickup of branches they typically chip them up and offer them to residents.

Do you mean mulch?

 

[hayley3]

I love dirt floors...and since I now have concrete, I want to put dirt in there but I also want it to be able to break down the poo, like it does naturally. I hate pine shavings!

 

[DobieLover]

Do you mean mulch?

Nope. Wood chips from a chipper. Mulch is generally double shredded. At least around here it is.

 

[hayley3]

Nope. Wood chips from a chipper. Mulch is generally double shredded. At least around here it is.

Oh that looks perfect, I hope I can find some near me.