Newbie - with many questions

[rfeyer]

Excellent - TY!
I am going to ensure having a minimum 4" inner lip in case it is sand we go with. So far, from what I am reading, sand does not have disadvantages

Rainer

 

[jonalisa]

Wow, already I have answers - this is a great site - Thanks!!!

As for sand - I was going to use backyard sand as our land is literally almost all sand. But, as I was thinking (while stacking wood outside): probably too much mycelia/ fungi in there - could probably leave it above ground to sun dry. Other choice: buy it all clean - better choice, yes?
Sand versus organic/ compost pine: Hmmm - I am going to keep digging on this one. I have not really found much negative on either, and I usually look at (-) before (+) sides.

Again, you all are the best!

I will make a separate thread on my venting questions

Best sand thread I've read: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/444759/got-sand-you-should (started by chellejeff)
Specifically, see the scientific information presented in post #352 by IRChicken

 

[rfeyer]

Great advice - I am starting to lean toward Sand - though started a thread to see why Coops are built above ground isntaed on onro dirt, then covered by sand - my guess would be intruders?

 

[jonalisa]

For sure, if you have predators, a multitude of them can dig their way in. There are, though, many who do deep litter directly on the ground with no floor.

 

[rfeyer]

Would you know the pro's and (additional) cons to direct method?

 

[jonalisa]

I will defer to those with more knowledge on this, but my understanding is that the deep litter method works best on an earthen floor due to the fact that the dirt is alive/active with microbes, nematodes and organisms that contribute to the composting activity you are cultivating with the DLM. That would be the biggest benefit.
http://blog.mcmurrayhatchery.com/20...ternative-for-cramped-spaces-by-joel-salatin/

Also a con for me to use sand over an dirt floor is that it would be very cold in the winter. I'm in NH.

 

[jetdog]

Sand in the run, really nice if it's covered, a good depth of shavings in the coop for the winter.

 

[rfeyer]

Thank you both - I am going to do raised coop, probably with Sand as I heard no cons yet.

NH is about the same climate as we are having here - will be 20 degrees tomorrow night

Rainer

 

[jetdog]

One thing I wanted to mention is my old coop had a little wang of a smell unless I totally cleaned it out, over the winter I built a new coop and finally got it out of the garage and setup I went with poop board filled with sweet pdz and I can't believe how much easier it is to clean just the top area under the roost it literally takes 2 minutes, I've had the shavings on the floor for about a month and there is no smell what so ever. Figured if your in the construction process it might be something to consider.

 

[rfeyer]

That is a good idea!