Question about sand.

[duckman14]

I'm goin to put sand down in my coop this weekend, I read from someone on here that you need to use a silica free sand. I've been searching and I'm starting to think there is no such thing. What is everyone els using?

 

[cosmo1104]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/using-sand-in-your-chicken-coop

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I use the bags of play sand (they are washed and dried).

I *think* that they make an effort to make the play sand less dusty for the kids not to inhale the silica dust. It is still dusty but I love it!

 

[Kernel Cluck]

I have heard about this "silica free" sand also. I have been reading and learning about coop flooring all winter. I made the switch to "torpedo sand" I have no idea what the "torpedo" means but it is basically river sand. Drains like fine sand but it is coarse and the chickens can use it as grit. Nice thing also is that it is MUCH cheaper delivered than play box sand because its not as much in demand. The other thing I noticed since I made the change 2 weeks ago is the girls feet are spotless clean. No mud, no crud. Also they love to dig and dust bath in it. I think its the greatest so far.

 

[cosmo1104]

these threads helped me
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/444759/got-sand-you-should
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/621363/poop-board-convert-warning-graphic-gross-poop-pictures

 

[cosmo1104]

I bought sweet PMZ and DE today and will be using sand over a horse stall rubber mat.

 

[duckman14]

Thank you Cosmo. That answered my question.

 

[cosmo1104]

lol, no worries bro, I'm in the same boat as you and got referred that thread last night lets hope it works as well as they say

 

[duckman14]

I guess it can't hurt to try.

 

[Kernel Cluck]

Go for it. You won't regret it.