I'm a newbie here!!

[Ginni]

Been raising chickens for almost 10 years. Started just wanting a couple chickens to have fresh eggs. Went from 6 to 12 and right now I have 22 and will be expending to about 50 when the weather decides to warm up. Last year was the first time I decided to start selling our eggs and now I'm having a hard time keeping up with the demand. ALOT of folks want fresh eggs!! So this spring we will build another coop for our additions.

I have a question.....is it better to use straw or sand or some other material in the coop and nesting boxes?? I have been using straw.

Ginni.

 

[TwoCrows]

Welcome to BYC!

I use sand EVERYWHERE!!! Coops, runs and the nest boxes!!! I worship sand

It stays dry, soft on the pads, keeps the flies away, no smells and the chickens love it. And yes, even in the nest boxes....



If you want to read a good thread on sand, check this one out. This will get you off to find some sand today....

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

Great to have you aboard and enjoy BYC!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! Another yes vote for sand, especially in the run. Great link TwoCrows gave you. It will somewhat depend on your area and how available it is, and the weather you are dealing with. We don't have access to free or cheap sand, so I still use a lot of shavings, especially in the winter. Straw mats too much and doesn't absorb well enough to make me happy.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. Some use straw, hay, sand, wood chips, pelleted wood, ground corn cobs --------------- I guess 'what's best' is what is readily available and works for you.

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

 

[gander007]