Question about using sand for the floor of the run

[elmo]

Quote:
I wouldn't use sand in the nesting box. I use pine shavings there. It gives the hens something to fluff up, which they seem to like.

I don't really dispose of the sand, just pick the droppings out of it. That's one of the benefits of using a nonorganic substrate: you never really have to do a full replacement.

 

[maysorum]

Anyone have experiences with sand during the winter with snow rather than rain? If so, what is the sand like when it's below freezing?

 

[Tikkijane]

http://www.homedepot.com/Outdoors/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbx82/R-202743025/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Does anyone know if this is food grade? It says it's not classified as hazzardous and is generally inert in the environment. I need something for my garden, too, so this would fit the bill of that and the sand run nicely.

Thanks!

 

[CRYROLFE]

We are hoping to get some sand today or tomorrow.....this is the place we want to get it. I guess they have other types....I was planning on getting "concrete" sand. Here are some of their types of gravel....
gravel types

Which one do you guys think?

 

[perchie.girl]

Quote:
If they have it try to get some sort of river sand that has mostly sand but various different sizes of sand in it too. Its usually cheapest because its not screened terribly fine. Just my thoughts. I have seen some sand that was almost like talc.

 

[PhilBen]

I have just finished a run, we have used sand and clean up the mess each day as it is very easy to do. We let the chicks have the run of the garden part of the day.The rest of the time they are in the run. I would say sand is a good option

 

[Chickangel79]

Hi my run is uncovered and not coverable, can I still use sand or will it just wash away/freeze in winter ?

 

[DawnSuiter]

Quote:
If there is a major slope, it will wash away eventually. Yesterday our main feeding area was "Lake 4post coop" and it's all draining nicely because it's on a base of gravel.

 

[DawnSuiter]

PhilBen, your place is BEAUTIFUL!

 

[Chickangel79]

Quote:
If there is a major slope, it will wash away eventually. Yesterday our main feeding area was "Lake 4post coop" and it's all draining nicely because it's on a base of gravel.

Thanks, its on a slight slope heading to the coop, the coop itself has decking out the front. Maybe pea shingle ?