How much sand in run?

[jmtcmkb]

Chicks will be ready to go out next week, all that is left is to put sand in the run. My question is how deep? I have 5 chickens, run is approx 5'x10'

as far as DE do I just sprinkle some into the sand or is there a particular ratio? Or maybe I have it wrong is the DE for the coop bedding?

 

[pawsplus]

It's best if you put gravel down first, or landscaping fabric, or both (I did both--see Mud Eradication page in sig below).

I used 20 bags of sand in my 10x10 run, ON TOP of the gravel and landscaping fabric. If you don't use either of those, I would use a lot more b/c otherwise the sand will get eaten up by the mud.

 

[jmtcmkb]

Quote:
okay thank you good to know. Just told hubby to get either gravel or landscaping fabric + the sand ( we are using builders sand from what I have read it's best)

 

[pawsplus]

Yes, I used levelling sand, which is more or less the same thing. It was easier for me to deal w/ in bags--it's cheaper if you can get it by the load in a truck.

 

[ailurophile23]

We use crusher run gravel (small size provides drainage but also packs down some) and then put the "flooring" on top - for our horses this is sawdust and the combination provides stable footing and terrific drainage. For the new chicken coop it will be a few inches (4-6) of crusher run topped by a few more inches (4-6) of sand.

 

[SteveBaz]

If you are filling the coop run we dug down about 7 to 8" and used a square tool that was 12"X12" and weighed about 15 to 20 lbs that pounded the ground flat and even. Then we used 1" round rock and laid down 3" to 4" of the round rock and then pounded it again until it wad flat and level. Then we brought in 3 to 4 " of sand. Thats it, however we did not like how the sand was working bc our coop is only 4' high and I had to stoop over to get in there to clean it up. Well it was killing me (i am a bit handicapped) so we covered it over with wood shavings and have been using the deep litter method since which seems to work better for me and I just pick off the top a bit and stir it up. Much easier for me. Then we put in a tub of sand for them to play and bath in.

 

[jmtcmkb]

thanks for all the help- I dont know if it matter or not, but it's a covered run.

 

[pawsplus]

Quote:
You must be talking about the coop, right? Not the run (which is outside). If you put shavings outside even in a covered run) that will turn into a moldy, muddy mess in no time! Shavings are fine for inside the coop, though.

 

[pawsplus]

Quote:
It certainly makes it easier to keep things clean! Even with sand, reducing the water that comes into the run keeps things much nicer. I put a cover over my first run when I added the sand for that reason.