Run bedding

[lechugababy]

I built my coop and run back in February and I have 13 beautiful babies. I elected to go with hemp for the coop as I am doing the deep litter method and sand for the run. I did a lot of research but for some reason I hate the sand I'm in central CA and it gets HOT in the summer and I heard sand keeps them cool. But I feel like despite cleaning it everyday / every other day I feel like it's never really clean and its always full of the hemp bedding that they kick out, maybe I need a better scooper? Its also so so dusty (a given I know but its a lot worse than I thought it would be, granted my area can also get pretty windy)
AlI of this to say, I don't want to give up on the sand just yet but I would love to hear what everyone uses for their run bedding, especially those of you in hot climates. Thanks!

 

[cavemanrich]

I think your sand is just fine. Just because there are small shreds of hemp in that sand,,, does not make it a bad run bedding.
Now to the dust,,,, Not sure what sand you were able to get,,, But I always recommend the Course grade.
If it is hot during day,, I'm sure the dry sand is not overly hot to chickens feet. If in your opinion it is uncomfortably too HOT,, then water it down. The evaporating action will cool the run sand.


WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and