Pea Gravel & Sand specs for coop?!

[handsomecock]

Is there any type of sand or gravel that I should stay away from? Me and my buddy are building the coop this weekend and all we come across in our area is concrete sand which has minute pieces of pea gravel. Can we use this? We plan on layering the run with a layer of thick gravel, then some DE and then sand.

 

[Angelicisi]

I wouldn't if its got any thing else in it. Take a bucket of it. Add water and stir. Let it sit a few hours-if it hardened, don't use it.

Usually river silt and builders/play sand is available for cheap at Plant Nurseries. I get a yard (truckload) for $16. The drainage is amazing.
Many construction sites have sand available they are happy to dump a load in a pickup here for free.
Any sand should work, if the concrete sand is sold just as a rough mix with no additives or "setting" in the mix AND you can run your bare hands through it without getting knicked up it should work fine. If its almost all straight dust with pea gravel I wouldn't use it for respiratory issues or it may compact too solidly and not drain when wet.
The birds will dust bath in it so if there are many sharp pieces it could cause issues later.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Sand is sand
Get a truck load of the cheapest thing you can find

 

[handsomecock]

thanks a bunch, gona contact some nurseries now...

 

[thomasboyle]

If you have quarries in the area, check them too. I found sand was much cheaper from the quarry companies than from big box store or landscape companies. But if you need it delivered, and don't need a complete dump truck load, the landscape companies may be your best bet. The rougher the sand, the better. Fine sand will get clogged up with poop over time, and will stop draining. Rough sand will drain better.

 

[handsomecock]

Thanx. Yea i dont think we got any quarrys in Brooklyn lol. Ima do some more research.

 

[Angelicisi]

I miss the quarries in Cali...down south here we have Mud. No rock. Had to BUY rocks for the pond! Ridiculousness where I grew up lol
I use a river silt base and a few inches of loose courser sand on top. I sift it with a rake and compost the droppings. Easy clean up, no mud, dust baths help keep away lice/mites too. You'll love sand any way you do it lol

If you have quarries in the area, check them too. I found sand was much cheaper from the quarry companies than from big box store or landscape companies. But if you need it delivered, and don't need a complete dump truck load, the landscape companies may be your best bet. The rougher the sand, the better. Fine sand will get clogged up with poop over time, and will stop draining. Rough sand will drain better.

 

[handsomecock]

Wait so I still gotta scoop the **** out like a litterbox? Or can I just rake it and add sand? I have about 3" of gravel at the bottom, then about 2" dirt and then 2" coarse sand.

 

[Angelicisi]

Every spring I scoop out about half a yard off the top and replace it. Rest of the time I rake itn not out, just around, turn it on occassion and it stays nice.

Wait so I still gotta scoop the **** out like a litterbox? Or can I just rake it and add sand? I have about 3" of gravel at the bottom, then about 2" dirt and then 2" coarse sand.

 

[handsomecock]

Cool thx