Sand and Silica

[DuckandChickenMom]

Um, sand pretty much IS silica -- sand is generally leetle small particles of quartz (and to a lesser extent other minerals), which is mainly composed of the element silicon. (So is glass, btw!)

Silica per se is not poisonous in any way.

What you are probably thinking of is that DE, which is also composed almost entirely of silica, comes in two forms, the food-grade having nearly all of its silica in amorphous (non-sharp-crystalline) form which is basically safe or anyhow as safe as any other mineral dust, the NON-food grade (and more common) form being composed mainly of crystalline silica which is highly irritating to the respiratory system and is a known carcinogen with large or chronic exposure.

But that is not because it is silica per se, that is because it is sharp pointy needlelike *crystals* of silica, you know?

Pat

Oh wow, I just came across this and wanted to thank you for this explanation. This has been a big question in my mind and I couldn’t find an answer on google. Thank you so much!

 

[chicken mama 2]

I'm new here and have been reading a lot about different methods of keeping your run mud free (I live in rainy Seattle). I keep coming across sand. However, It seems that most sand has silica in it. Personally, I don't use commercial cat litter since it contains silica and can harm the cats lungs when they scratch. I don't see how a chicken would be any different. IS there sand without silica in it or are chickens not affected by it? Same with DE, contains silica and I get if you use human grade its less, but its still there.

Am I just too much of a city girl and care about things that I'm sure most others don't?

I recently changed to washed concrete medium grade and it’s been standing up really good. I use it in both the coop and garden for their sand baths. It’s low dust and super easy to clean (scoop) their poop.

 

[chicken1234]

We use sand screenings from a gravel pit but I tossed in top soil this weekend because they enjoy scratching it around, I also add mulch in too. If you are concerned about sand you can always mix it. If you have asthma Id recommend wearing a mask when you clean them out.