Is Infill sand okay for the run?

[grettasurfergirl]

Hi we are just finalizing our coop and run before we move the chicks in there next week! I was going to use sand in the run and shavings (deep litter) in the coop area but wondered about kind of sand that’s okay. We have leftover infill sand from some artificial turf projects and it’s pretty coarse. Anybody know if that will work okay? Thank you!!

 

[DallasLoneStar]

Can you take a really close up, well lit picture of the sand with a quarter sitting on the sand for scale?

That’s easier than going by what the sand is called since the names seem to vary a lot regionally and even between stone yards.

 

[twendt]

They say Contractor sand is better than Sand Box sand, Sand box sand compacts and gets hard, that's not what want!! So I guess the coarser the better? I put a mix of play sand and contractor sand in my run, parts were compacted in the spring. I put in play sand and then read about the compacting and added contractor sand. Live and Learn.... Sand really is the best medium for chicken runs, especially if you live in the midwest and experience WINTER!

 

[grettasurfergirl]

Can you take a really close up, well lit picture of the sand with a quarter sitting on the sand for scale?

That’s easier than going by what the sand is called since the names seem to vary a lot regionally and even between stone yards.

I will try and get a photo tomorrow, thank you!

 

[aart]

Can you take a really close up, well lit picture of the sand with a quarter sitting on the sand for scale?

That’s easier than going by what the sand is called since the names seem to vary a lot regionally and even between stone yards.

Excellent point!

All those 'stupid' names drive me nuts....SMH.
Oops sorry that just slipped out

I will try and get a photo tomorrow, thank you!

That would be great!
I'm not fan of sand for bedding, except on poop boards.
It can get pretty stinky if not in an arid climate.

BTW...Welcome to BYC! @grettasurfergirl
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[grettasurfergirl]

Excellent point!

All those 'stupid' names drive me nuts....SMH.
Oops sorry that just slipped out



That would be great!
I'm not fan of sand for bedding, except on poop boards.
It can get pretty stinky if not in an arid climate.

BTW...Welcome to BYC! @grettasurfergirl
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!
View attachment 1821126

Sorry I didn’t get the photo today but hoping tomw... and yes I will add my location! I’m in north county San Diego so typically very dry but this year we’ve had a lot of rain. What do you think the least stinky option is? I was planning on pine shavings for the coop run area, is the deep litter method the best for smell? Thank you!

 

[aart]

What do you think the least stinky option is? I was planning on pine shavings for the coop run area, is the deep litter method the best for smell? Thank you!

My runs have semi-deep litter(cold composting), never clean anything out, just add smaller dry materials on occasion, add larger wood chippings as needed.
Aged ramial wood chippings are the best base material, IMO.
BUT....
I have large(8x50' = 400sqft) mesh roofed run on well draining soil and 15-20 birds.
So YMMV depending on poop load per square foot.

 

[grettasurfergirl]

Finally have a sand photo!! How does this look for the small run area? It’s 3’ x 8’ and they also have a coop run but will probably do something other than sand in there. Thank you!!

 

[twendt]

That’s okay as a base, I agree you need some finer sand over that course stuff, chickens have tender feet and are prone to bumblefoot. I just experienced my first case, my girls outside area is my enclosed vegetable garden with raised beds and mulch ( she probably got a splinter from the mulch) their coop with a small run is within my garden. I have typical suburban yard 3/4 of an acre.

 

[aart]

Finally have a sand photo!! How does this look for the small run area? It’s 3’ x 8’ and they also have a coop run but will probably do something other than sand in there. Thank you!!

I don't think that will hurt their feet.
Do you plan to sift the poops out of that sand?
Good pics of sand, pics of coop and run(s)?

Bumblefoot is caused by bacteria in a foot wound,
they can cut their feet on all kinda of things.