I have straw in my nest boxes. My coop is very small. I only have six hens. I used bagged sand. I am very new to this, but have gotten some great advice on this website. I'm sure that eventually I will expand!
I have heard that about the deep litter method but not sand. Sand doesnt biodegrade nor does it compact well which is the reason its soo good for the coop and run. If its on the ground organic matter washes down through. If you are using inside the coop with a floor underneath just the act of scooping Like Bear Foot Farm said will cause it to need to be replenished or topped off occasionally.
Kitty litter is either Clay or the scoopable stuff has Polymers that rehydrate when moisture touches it. Niether are good for chickens because chickens eat it. The Scented chemicals are not good either.
Good for soils that dont drain well.... an excellent ammendment.
I use Shavings or Bermuda hay, but in the Roll out nest I want the floor will be artifical nest material. In order to do a run it may take several yards of sand which can be delivered to your door by dump truck. Most economical way to buy it too. there are calculators on line to calculate volume to figure out how many yards of sand you will need.
Yep....
LOL.... I have twenty or so and have tentative plans for 90. Including a large flock of Guineas.
Just wanted to warn people, don't put lots of sand in heavy clay soils. It sounds great, but it combines with the clay to make cement and will be heavier than ever. I was very surprised when I learned this, but I've seen it in action in my own garden, and learned it in my Ohio State University agronomic soil science class last week.
Good point. Sand works great in most conditions and for a lot of people; Yet, I don't use it because our topsoil can have a lot of clay. Compaction in wet conditions and dust in dry conditions can be a few drawbacks. Not to bash using sand by any means.
Nope, not bashing sand at all. But the garden or flowerbeds may not be the best place for waste sand.
