Is sand good coop material? And can mites live in sand?

[Campine Lover]

I was looking for a bedding that will not be able to have mites in it. Does sand make good mite free bedding? Anything else?

 

[teach1rusl]

Some folks use sand in their run, but I've never heard of using sand in the coop/housing. Pine shavings or something similar is fine...just mix some DE into the bedding to help prevent mites.

 

[cybercat]

Yes, you can use sand in the coop but no it will not stop mites if you get them. Best prevention for mite on chickens is a dust bath. 1 part wood ash 1 part sand 1 part local dirt. They should have this availbe all the time. It is how chickens keep themsevels deloused.

 

[Bantimna]

Quote:
Ditto.
Also a BYCer I think Dawn on the Farm has a page about sand in coops.

 

[95yj]

I use sand alot, it works ok, but theres no bedding in the world that mites can't live in.

 

[Campine Lover]

The girls take dust bathes all the time (they free range all day) but dangit, there goes my mite-less dreams. I think I got rid of the little pests though because I can't find any under the bedding, or on the girls.