Sand for Chicken bedding?

[HenHouse4Life]

I free range so the only "run" I have would be the bantam pens. But in winter and while I'm away, they stay inside. I have rib damage and it makes cleaning the coop painful and take longer, so I've always tried to get help and/or find ways to make it easier.
A poop board would be a great idea! I should look into that.
What kind of sand do you use in the run? Is it just any sand you could buy at Menards, or is it a certain kind?

Don't use play sand. Chickens are susceptible to respiratory issues and play sand is too fine

 

[HuskerHens18]

Don't use play sand. Chickens are susceptible to respiratory issues and play sand is too fine

Good to know, thank you!!

 

[SavKel&RynKel]

Do you think I could use popcorn as bedding?

Of course! Then the chickens would just clean it all up for you!

 

[SavKel&RynKel]

Do you think it could change the coop tempature at all?

Sand will be more insulative than pine shavings, but that doesn't really imply hotter or colder... More so that it should carry the days heat later into the night, and the cold from the night into the later morning.

 

[Theladiesandagentleman]

I am loving sand in my coop and run. It takes ten minutes of clean up with a scoop in the morning. I mixed in Sweet PDZ as well. It stays really dry.

 

[Mechtel8989]

I actually think it would work the other way around. Cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. With no sun on it I believe it will stay cooler and with heat lamps on it, I believe it will retain the heat

 

[HuskerHens18]

Where does everyone purchase their sand? Is there any specific "brand" people like over another?

 

[lissalischicks]

i order mine from the local hardware store. Either home depot or lowes

 

[HuskerHens18]

i order mine from the local hardware store. Either home depot or lowes

Sounds good, I've got a local hardware store and then lowes/home depot is an hour away so they both work. I'm so excited to get sand!!

 

[leighks]

We use construction fill sand- it’s not super small grains and dusty like play sand, which I have read can be bad for their respiratory system.
I also use sweet PDZ and scoop daily, works great, no odor.
If you google the article about sand in coops by The Chicken Chick there is a good description and details to all of your sand questions.