Newbie - with many questions

[Red Squirrel]

I really want to try sand after using straw for a long time now. Construction grade is what I am hearing. Is that right?

 

[JanetS]

I really want to try sand after using straw for a long time now. Construction grade is what I am hearing. Is that right?

That's what we use in our coop and run. We love it! Would not go back to wood shaving again.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Is the dust any better with using sand? Oh my, the dust is bad with straw!

 

[ourcoop62108]

This was our first winter with chickens. I was afraid they would get cold so I switched from pine shavings to straw because I thought it would be warmer (why? I don't know because they don't lay in it! LOL) After cleaning the coop this spring I will stick with the pine shavings and won't do straw again. Many do like sand, I am just not convinced its for us. I am still learning and love to read other people's advice! Any questions I have this is my first place I turn!

 

[rhoffart]

I have been using sand since I started. It's been over 1 year and I would not change a thing. The same sand is in there that I started with and I think I can get 1 or 2 more years out of it. I strain it once a week with a DIY sifter and about once a quarter I add some DE. No bugs, NO odor at all.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Wow! That sounds great!