Sand in coop and on poop shelf

[LCchickens71]

I’m thinking of using construction grade sand inside my coop. It is 8x8 with 8’ ceiling. I have painted the floor well, and walls are painted as well. I bought First Saturday Lime to put down on the floor want to use sand on that. I don’t have windows but have open eves and two vent openings. What about a solar exhaust fan? What does everyone think. I’m in MO!
Thanks!!

 

[cavemanrich]

OK, for the sand ,, Most people choose sand on ground/earth floor. Since your floor is painted wood,, I would recommend not putting too thick of a layer of sand. Reason: should you get rainwater inside coop, a thick layer would hold the moisture much longer than a thin layer. Personally, on your floor, I would keep thickness to 1 inch, no more. See how thinks work for you. Then you can decide what works BEST for you.
Like to address the window situation. As in your coop ,, the absence of them. Windows serve two major purposes. They can provide additional much needed summer ventilation. Then also year round access to daylight. Consider installing some windows. They would also need to be secured with Hardware clothe,, so when opened, overnight,, chickens are safe from predators, entering, or reaching in.


WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

 

[LCchickens71]

OK, for the sand ,, Most people choose sand on ground/earth floor. Since your floor is painted wood,, I would recommend not putting too thick of a layer of sand. Reason: should you get rainwater inside coop, a thick layer would hold the moisture much longer than a thin layer. Personally, on your floor, I would keep thickness to 1 inch, no more. See how thinks work for you. Then you can decide what works BEST for you.
Like to address the window situation. As in your coop ,, the absence of them. Windows serve two major purposes. They can provide additional much needed summer ventilation. Then also year round access to daylight. Consider installing some windows. They would also need to be secured with Hardware clothe,, so when opened, overnight,, chickens are safe from predators, entering, or reaching in.


WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

Thank you! I will definitely try the windows!

 

[cavemanrich]

but have open eves

Just wanted to add something I forgot in previous post.
Do cover those openings with Hardware Clothe.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I use sand in my poop trays and also Sweet PDZ, for odor control. I scoop daily with a slotted tool like for cleaning a cat box. But on the floor of the coop (I call it a hen house) and in the nests, I use shredded office paper, which I get free as my DH works in a bank. It's not only free, it's clean, easy to transport, lightweight and doesn't harbor pests like straw and sawdust or wood chips do. It wicks moisture so chicken droppings dry out and fall to the floor as a dry dust. When I want to clean I rake the paper aside, sweep up the dust and put it in the compost. The paper stays clean and I change it out about once a year. You can burn it or compost it.

 

[Laurasb65]

I use sand with PDZ, so far I like it, less dust for sure. I also use a solar fan, solar auto door and solar out side light. No issues with any of the solar so far.