Sand in chicken run

[Hubert Cumberdale]

Been having issues with a muddy run that I tend to dig over now and then. Was thinking about laying sand down but this raises a question about maintenance. Do you ever need to change the sand, or do you just rake it over now and then until it eventually works into the soil? Thanks

 

[fightingbunny]

Is it possible to dig a drainage ditch/swale uphill so that the water doesn't get into the run? Or to slope the run so that water is not sitting in it?

 

[Hubert Cumberdale]

Is it possible to dig a drainage ditch/swale uphill so that the water doesn't get into the run? Or to slope the run so that water is not sitting in it?

There's not a lot of sitting water as such. It's just a bit muddy and grim. Was even thinking about mulching half the run maybe? And possibly sand at the other end (tarp covered)

 

[8 Chicks 1967]

If you get sand don't use Play sand. It is too fine to work for your chickens digestion process. Use standard contractor sand as it has larger stones in it. I rake the natural litter out and some sand comes with it so in time you will have to add. it is a natural insulator as well. My hens love me for it in the winter. it will take so time to get a solid base but, once you do you will have to add less in time.

 

[Hubert Cumberdale]

If you get sand don't use Play sand. It is too fine to work for your chickens digestion process. Use standard contractor sand as it has larger stones in it. I rake the natural litter out and some sand comes with it so in time you will have to add. it is a natural insulator as well. My hens love me for it in the winter. it will take so time to get a solid base but, once you do you will have to add less in time.

Ok, cheers for the advice.

 

[aart]

It can really depend on your climate, the type of sand you can get, and how much sifting of poops you want to do. Deep litter is the way to go in a run IMO.

Here's recent discussion on NOT using sand, opinions from both camps:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/reasons-not-to-use-sand-in-a-chicken-coop-or-run.1203309/

And more sand threads:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/search/9273422/?q=sand+in+runs&t=post&o=relevance&c[title_only]=1

My 'Sand' Rant:
I learned a lot about sand while making my own concrete mixes for sculpture years ago; I used different cements, different sands, different admixes.
All the colloquial and common names for sand(river, construction, play, blahblahblah) are worthless, there's no standards, you've got to look at it very closely to know what you're getting. Made a huge difference in my concrete mixes, so I had to study it, and also applies when using for chickens.

 

[chickens really]

I have a sand Run.Its all packed down like a driveway now....I have to till it to keep it sandy...I don't bother anymore...I rake it and the Chickens make big dust bath holes....

 

[Hubert Cumberdale]

It can really depend on your climate, the type of sand you can get, and how much sifting of poops you want to do. Deep litter is the way to go in a run IMO.

Here's recent discussion on NOT using sand, opinions from both camps:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/reasons-not-to-use-sand-in-a-chicken-coop-or-run.1203309/

And more sand threads:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/search/9273422/?q=sand+in+runs&t=post&o=relevance&c[title_only]=1

My 'Sand' Rant:
I learned a lot about sand while making my own concrete mixes for sculpture years ago; I used different cements, different sands, different admixes.
All the colloquial and common names for sand(river, construction, play, blahblahblah) are worthless, there's no standards, you've got to look at it very closely to know what you're getting. Made a huge difference in my concrete mixes, so I had to study it, and also applies when using for chickens.

Nice one! Thanks