Question about construction sand

[chickfan]

Quote:
Hi Tigerjane! We are in Leander!
I'm glad you mentioned this. I knew about the silica (I think that is what it is) and I have already gotten some masks for me to wear when I'm spreading the sand. However....thinking about putting chickens in the coop and closing them up at night. I think we have plenty of ventilation, so I wonder if that makes it safe enough for them? And if it does, then good. But we do have winter coming up, I think, and the vents will be closed at night. Does that make it dangerous for them? If it does, then I'll just have to move to plan B (which I don't have yet!) and just stick with putting sand in the run.
Blazes! Is anything easy? LOL
Thanks.

 

[Tigerjane]

Practically neighbors!

I'd still go with coarser, the chickens are so low to the ground, they're liable to be breathing it in even if there's adequate ventilation. Good thinking with the mask for yourself!

 

[Sissy]

I use sand for the runs but always have used wood shavings not cedar
in the coops and add to it as need and only clean out the coops
Sept. and March. and have had no problems with mites fleas etc.
I also add to the coop floor mixed in with the shavings Stall dry.

 

[chickfan]

I have used pine shavings in all the brooders and cages, but they throw that stuff out so easily, so I'm thinking I would have trouble keeping it in the coops, even with boards across the lower part of the door, windows, pop door, etc. Since a lot of you use that though, it might not be a problem.
I really like the idea of sand, for some reason. I went to see the sand at the company nearby....I like the feel of the manufacture's sand...it feels gritty...more gritty than salt. The man said that silicone should not be a problem with it. (I hope he knows!) He said his dad uses it for his chickens. This is also the cheapest of what they have.
Tigerjane.....what kind do you use and where did you get it?

 

[jenn-E]

My understanding was that the problem with play sand is that it doesn't provide the large bits of gravel that the chicks need for grit. I used play sand in the brooder box for a dust bath. As long as they chicks have some access to larger rocks/gravel, I think it would also be OK in the run.

 

[chickfan]

Quote:
I was thinking the finer the sand, the more dust there would be. But I don't know. This is my first go-round with this. As long as they free range, I know they are OK. But I'm trying to look ahead for what they would need if they had only the coop and run.....as in when we are gone. We do have someone to check food and water and gather eggs, but they will not be free-ranging until we get home. I think I might have taken on more than I know how to handle! Too bad I love those chickens almost like they are family!

 

[MaureenL128]

Would you guys suggest sand on the coop floor or not? I am thinking about the clean up factor and that sand would be easier to scoop poop out of. I am currently using pine shavings inside the coop.

 

[Chris09]

If it was me I would go with the manufactured sand.
Mason sand is fine and will not drain well. (like Play Sand)..
Concrete sand should be a mixture of Coarse, Medium and Fine sand...

Chris

 

[chickfan]

Quote:
Thanks Chris. I did like the feel of the sand when I checked it out earlier. I definitely think it has the grit that the chickens would like, and it would be good for dirt baths, but I'm worried now about the silica.
In the meantime, hubby has the trailer hooked up and is ready to go get it, so I need to hurry before he changes his mind! I wish I had a chance to see all the different kinds.
I did know I could depend on members of this board to help me with thoughts and ideas. It is good to hear from those who have had experience with this.

 

[chickfan]

Quote:
I have two coops...each one is 40 square feet. I feel like the sand would work better...it isn't a huge area, but a little large for the shavings. But that is just a feeling...I really don't know. Seems that some prefer the shavings and some prefer the sand, but I guess there are a lot of other things that come into play when making a decision about it. Surely sand would be easier to clean up...shavings fly around everywhere. And how could you scoop poop out of shavings? I have shavings in a cage with 4 young chickens now, and I just have to throw it all away when I clean.