Sand for Coop?

[Farmgirl1878]

We use a long-handled cat litter box scoop. It works perfectly on sand. Easy-peasy.

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I actually found a shovel that’s designed for the beach! It’s great for those “heavy loads!”

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2WGDW84?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_asin_title

 

[EmmaDonovan]

I actually found a shovel that’s designed for the beach! It’s great for those “heavy loads!”

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2WGDW84?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_asin_title

That is brilliant! I think I like that better than what we have.

 

[Bawkbok]

It's really personal preference, but if you're in a hot, humid, wet environment sand will be a problem as it retains moisture and doesn't dry out, gets sticky and sticks to the chickens' feet. We tried it since our "soil" is sand here. Doesn't work in the run, never dried out and smelled bad. I couldn't stand to be out there because of the odor.

We now use deep litter and are happy with the results. It works great for the climate. The chickens are always scratching around in it and dust bathing in the dirt areas, which is better to bathe in than sand as it gets into their feathers better based on the plume of dust they shake off vs. sand just sort of falling and rolling off their feathers -- and the flies are minimal. Our mixture is oak mulch, dried leaves, compost dirt and certain yard waste.

 

[donnamei3]

Yep!!!

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I'm curious what you are using for bedding? That looks so great!

 

[ChaosMom]

I'm curious what you are using for bedding? That looks so great!

It’s soil at the bottom, then wood mulch, pine bark nuggets, and pine straw (dried needles). Then cleanings from the coop with pine flakes. The chickens scratch and stir everything up - all I have to do is tear open the bags and shake stuff on!

 

[llcardinale]

Hi all, I just bought a new coop, and allowed the girls to get all the grass and weeds pecked up. Right now the floor is just dirt, however I want to get them switched to sand. Previously I used quickcrete all purpose sand, it says it is course grain washed sand. Is that good to continue to use? also, should I lay some concrete pavers down so the sand doesn't mix in with the dirt? All help is appreciated!