new to ducks - need suggestions on bedding please.

[Raven Lane Farm]

I am currently building pens in my barn for my call ducks and my runner ducks. I was wondering about everyone's opinion on bedding. We (my husband and I) dug down and placed 2x6s so that critters can't dig into the pens and of course, we will place hardware cloth around the bottom so that raccoons won't reach in. I am just stumped on the bedding issue. We use deep litter for the chickens. I am leaning toward pine shavings/straw in the bedding area and sand under the feeding/watering area. Thanks for any help or suggestions!

 

[Kevin565]

I've tried straw, hay, shavings, and they all end up smelling way to quickly for my tastes. That's why I'm only using sand as the bedding. Just make sure it's sandbox sand and not landscaping sand.

 

[Raven Lane Farm]

Thanks, I didn't know about the sandbox sand...great tip!

 

[Kevin565]

No Problem at all. The big issues with landscaping sand is it contains Silica which can be very harmful to bird lungs as well as humans.