poop boards and sand?and shavings?

[btoutcheque]

hi-new here and new to chickens! I have decided to use poop boards under my roosts and will be using sweet pdz and sand and scooping. I was wondering what type of sand was recommended? a medium contractors sand or a fine sand? Also for the coop floor I have decided on pine shavings what is the difference and preferred size, fine or regular size ?(will attempt dlm)thanks in advance-looking forward to advice and opinions!

 

[DobieLover]

hi-new here and new to chickens! I have decided to use poop boards under my roosts and will be using sweet pdz and sand and scooping. I was wondering what type of sand was recommended? a medium contractors sand or a fine sand? Also for the coop floor I have decided on pine shavings what is the difference and preferred size, fine or regular size ?(will attempt dlm)thanks in advance-looking forward to advice and opinions!

I have not put my poop boards into use yet. Sunday is the big move in day!
Washed sand would be the best bet to keep dust down. I'm using play sand.
I go for the pine shavings, not flake. The shavings don't pack like the flake does so it offers a bit more cushion for landings off the roost. Nice a thick.

BTW: Welcome to BYC!

 

[aart]

Went the sand/PDZ route, washed and kiln dried sand worked good but can't find it anymore.
Also found a thin(1/8") layer of just granulated PDZ works great.
But I use a hoe and a basket to sift all the material every day.
Saves money and deters dust bathing on the boards.

I prefer large flake shavings on the floor, they last longer.
This is about 'cleaning' but covers my big picture.

-I use poop boards under roosts with thin(<1/2") layer of sand/PDZ mix, sifted daily(takes 5-10mins) into bucket going to friends compost.

-Scrape big or wet poops off roost and ramps as needed.

-Pine shavings on coop floor, add some occasionally, totally changed out once or twice a year, old shavings added to run.

-Runs have semi-deep litter, never clean anything out, just add smaller dry materials on occasion, add larger wood chippings as needed.

-Nests are bedded with straw, add some occasionally, change out if needed(broken egg).

There is no odor, unless a fresh cecal has been dropped and when I open the bucket to add more poop.

That's how I keep it 'clean', have not found any reason to clean 'deeper' in 5 years.