Sand in duck coop/shed

[CarleeAnn]

So, long story short we will be moving soon and the house will have a partially fenced backyard and a shed


It has been recommended that sand is a good substrate for ducks. What I would like to know now is; What kind of sand and from where?

All I see at Walmart is “play sand”, does that work? Also, if the ducks will be in the shed anytime we are not home until their run is complete, what lighting should we provide? Pictures of your shed set-ups would be appreciated!!

Thanks in advance.

P.S. we will be completing and securing the fencing, so no worries there.

 

[cavemanrich]

I suggest using course construction grade sand that is used in concrete.
It may go by different names in different areas. At my local sand, cement and stone supply, they call it "TORPEDO"
Have never questioned why such a name.
There is a thread here about using sand. I would have to go back and try to find it since it went quiet some time ago. The peeps there are as divided about using sand as the Hatfields and Mccoys..
I am Pro Sand, and use it in coop, run, but not exclusively.

 

[CarleeAnn]

I suggest using course construction grade sand that is used in concrete.
It may go by different names in different areas. At my local sand, cement and stone supply, they call it "TORPEDO"
Have never questioned why such a name.
There is a thread here about using sand. I would have to go back and try to find it since it went quiet some time ago. The peeps there are as divided about using sand as the Hatfields and Mccoys..
I am Pro Sand, and use it in coop, run, but not exclusively.

What do you also use?

 

[cavemanrich]

In the coop, which is small, I throw in a layer of sand. Upon that I throw hay or grass clippings. (depends what I have at time). The chickens scratch thru it and mix sand with hay. Floor stays nice and dry with sand at bottom. My run is a large secure area about 15' x 60' . It is not exclusive use for chickens, as I keep things like a boat and other items in there. Chickens are welcome and do like the covering of the items there. They pretty much have most of the floor available to their use. In certain area, I have sand on the ground. The rest of the area gets covered with grass clippings all spring,summer, and fall. Chickens just go gaga scratching thru it continuously. No boredom,no,unnecessary pecking or aggression. At the end of the day they are probably tired and just want to nap. There are areas where it is just bare soil. Chickens dust bathe there as well as sand area. They prefer the soil for dusting. The whole run area is covered with 3 separate light duty tarps. Keeps area dry, shade from sun, as well as raptor protection from above. This environment is suitable for chickens ducks, and geese. Ducks do need some water to be happy.

 

[chickens really]

Hello..In my runs I have sand...As said construction grade is fine. I use pine shaving in their house in the summer and winter it has a thick layer of straw to huddle into.
Best wishes.

 

[CarleeAnn]

If the shed is on a concrete slab how thick of sand should we have? And should we put sand under their pine shavings in their house inside the shed?

 

[chickens really]

If the shed is on a concrete slab how thick of sand should we have? And should we put sand under their pine shavings in their house inside the shed?

I don't put sand in the house..Pine shavings I use.

 

[CarleeAnn]

Okay. So thick layer of shavings only in house and sand everywhere else with maybe grass clippings once we mow.

Do you think I should put like a tarp down first? Or is just straight on the concrete slab best? And should we aim for about two inches thick or more?

Anyone know if this sand is fine?:

http://www.truevalue.com//catalog/product.jsp?productId=87372&parentCategoryId=3&categoryId=2627&subCategoryId=2628&type=product&cid=gooshop&source=google_pla&9gtype={ifsearch:search}{ifcontent:content}&9gkw={keyword}&9gad={creative}.1&9gpla={placement}&ctcampaign=4680&ctkwd={product_id}&ctmatch=&ctcreative={Creative}&ctplacement=651487-49748506059

 

[chickens really]

We just get sand from a landscape company..it's cheap . We Haul it in plastic totes.

 

[CarleeAnn]

Okay! I’ll try to find someone near where we’re moving to.