Need help/input on sand arguement

[Dawn419]

Hi Everyone!

My new chicks will be here hopefully this time next week and I am prepared except for "grit". Told hubby about using play sand and he stated that he can get free sand from our friend and neighbor who is a concrete contractor. I told him that all of the "on-line" recommendations I've read say to use play sand so he asks me why...?

Have spent the day researching and cannot find a good answer for him. Can anyone help me out???

I know I can use dirt from the yard but we are "blessed" with red clay here which is hard as concrete, right now.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Saltiena]

i'm sorry, i'm probably not much help because i know you can use sand, but i'm not sure a bout "play" sand though but i know you CAN use sand

 

[nikkimay]

The sand used for concrete is made from different stuff and is not safe to ingest.

But baby chicks shouldn't need grit- not if they are only eating chick mash.

Once they are outside and free ranging, they should be able to find all the grit they need in your yard.

 

[Picco]

If your going to use grit just go to walmart, the petstore or grocery store and look for caged bird grit. It costs about 2 bucks and is SAFE. The box will last a long time since you wont need alot of it. Play sand will most likely be ok, but unless you know the source it could be dangerous if ingested.

 

[Critter Crazy]

O know nothing about playsand, or any sand so I cannot comment. i dont use any type of grit at all. All my birds free range, and get their own grit from the ground. I have never had any problems. Even with my chicks, they free range as well, and have done just fine.

 

[AccidentalFarm]

I use playsand from home depot with no problems

 

[merryreader]

I use the play sand from Home Depot also. I would never use contractors sand. It's a different grade( not intended for ingestion) etc. I started out with grit from the feed store or walmart intended for cockateils and parrots. Merry

 

[countrygirl4513]

Hey Dawn419, I'm in middle Tn too.Portland to be exact. Where are you?
I just went to TSC/tractor supply co. and bought a bag of grit. I got it 9 wks ago when I first got the chicks and I still have 3/4 of a bag left. It was about a 2lb. bag.

 

[Dawn419]

Thank you all for your replies!

I was more worried about them having the grit, when they needed it as I won't be able to free range the chickens...too many stray dogs, cats and natural predators here. I was just trying to make sure I had all the bases covered mainly, guess you could call it "new Mom" syndrome (this side of panic attack but that a whole different post!).

The fact that concrete sand isn't ingestable makes total sense to me!

countrygirl4513, I'm in Quebeck in White County!

 

[countrygirl4513]

Dawn419, I'm in Robertson Co. right on the KY/TN line. I'm closer to Franklin Ky than any town in Tn. I like you can't let mine free range cuz of all the boogie men. But I do let them out to play when I'm able to keep watch with a pellet gun.