Question for sand proponents

[tymimo]

I've read plenty of arguments and testimonials for using sand in the coop and/or run but I have this one question: what do you do with your used sand? Some people suggest that you replace your sand once or twice a year. Where does it go?

 

[4 the Birds]

I'm unclear as to why you would need to replace sand. Just sift or rake out waste and you are good to go. Any removed sand would be great around flower beds, shrubs, or amended in the garden.

 

[Hawgon]

I love sand....Have it both of my coops and runs....I agree with 4 The Birds, just rake or sift it out and add to it if needed.....No organic compounds in sand that rots so it should not go "bad"....Maybe they meant adding to and not replacing.......

 

[Sexy Silkie]

What about kitty litter? It is scented. I wonder if it would hurt chickens?

 

[tymimo]

I have definitely seen a couple of posters recommend replacing all the sand. I agree that a scoop of sand here or there would be great for the garden but several cubic feet a couple of times a year could start to add up. My concern for kitty litter would be the disposal. I wonder if they make biodegradable litter? The appeal of shavings (or straw, leaves etc) is that it can be thrown into the compost.

 

[chfite]

I don't replace sand in the run. Nature takes its course over time with the chickens turning the soil over and over.

I imagine that it would be great for the plants, too.

Chris

 

[kuntrygirl]

I have never replaced my sand and have had a sand run for over 3 years now. No need to replace the sand. The birds will take care of turning over the poop into the sand.

 

[outdoorgal]

I wondered about this too. Great question!

 

[Cotton42]

I've read plenty of arguments and testimonials for using sand in the coop and/or run but I have this one question: what do you do with your used sand? Some people suggest that you replace your sand once or twice a year. Where does it go? 

Throw it away? That's what I do with the poop I scoop out of my coop (I was putting it in my garden, but I can only fit so much in there). Personally I've never replaced all of it, although I do have to add more every few months.

 

[Sexy Silkie]

Thought i would share a pic for the day