Sand for coop & run.

[jwyles]

Where is the best place to get large amounts of play sand to use in coop & run for cheap? TIA!

 

[Chickenchip]

I get playsand in bags at Lowe’s. But have a question, is this considered DUST? I am new and hear a lot about chickens using dust to clean themselves. If not sand, where do you get DUST? Tia

 

[jwyles]

I get playsand in bags at Lowe’s. But have a question, is this considered DUST? I am new and hear a lot about chickens using dust to clean themselves. If not sand, where do you get DUST? Tia

Thank you! I think people usually mix things like organic potting soil and ash for them to dust bathe in. I bet if you search this site you'll find several good "recipes" for dust bath.

 

[HenHouse4Life]

Sand works for a dust bath, however I prefer to use wood ash, such as from a woodstove. The chickens love it and it helps to protect them from lice/mites. I put mine in an old tire and replenish as the girls 'kick' it out.

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

Don't use play sand. It's too fine. You need a coarser sand like masonry sand that drains well. Play sand will hold water and be a mess.

 

[jwyles]

Don't use play sand. It's too fine. You need a coarser sand like masonry sand that drains well. Play sand will hold water and be a mess.

Thanks! I'm open to ALL suggestions. Where do I find masonry sand in large amounts for cheap?

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

Thanks! I'm open to ALL suggestions. Where do I find masonry sand in large amounts for cheap?

Rock quarry is probably going to be the cheapest. Do you know how much you need?

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

I paid about $28 for about a ton of masonry sand at a rock quarry.

 

[Kuntry Klucker]

Don't use play sand. It clumps when wet, instead of sand castles you will have poop castles. Get washed multi purpose sand at Lowes. It is around $4 for a 50 lb bag. Since it does not clump when wet your girls will also dust bathe in it. I keep some in a sand box for my girls during the winter. They love it.

 

[jwyles]

I've decided I'm going to call some quarries around my home and ask about river sand first then masonry sand if they don't have river sand. $28 for a ton is exactly the kind of price I'm talking about too! The cheaper the better! @HenOnAJuneBug & no I really don't know how much I need... hoping my hubby will figure that one out for me