Sand in the brooder -- it's worth it!

[Suzierd]

Do you remember what the sand was called?  I stopped in and got this sand based on the clerks recommendation.      http://www.homedepot.com/p/Quikrete-50-lb-Play-Sand-111351/100318476#specifications    

Is this okay?

I got all-purpose sand Quikrete pre-washed coarse sand. I have read not to use play sand it's to fine.

 

[chiqita]

Do make sure for babies not to use dusty sand. I used dusty sand and lost a ton of quail babies. So pay attention to what you get.

 

[GizmoB]

One of my strongest memories of brooding chickens in the past is how badly the brooders smelled. I always either used wire cages with a tray for droppings (like a rabbit cage) or sawdust/wood chips in the past, but since it was about 10 years ago, I no longer remember the exact details. I just remember the stench.

When I set about researching chickens again, I was immediately intrigued by several comments I read about using sand in brooders. I was initially a little hesitant. I was afraid the chicks would eat too much of the sand, or that it would smell terribly anyway.

Well, I’m on day 7 of brooding my new chicks on the sand and am so happy with this bedding that I decided to make a post recommending it!

My goals were simple:
1) Keep odors to an absolute minimum,
2) Make daily cleanup fast, easy, and efficient with minimal wasted bedding (i.e. expense)

So I bought the following materials:
Children’s Play Sand
ReptiSand (terrarium sand suitable for reptiles)
Sweet PDZ (stall freshener for horses, odor eliminator)
Reptile litter scoop (cat litter scoop’s holes were too big for chick droppings)
(You will also want either tiny trash bags or plastic grocery bags to put the dirty litter in)

I filled my brooder with children’s play sand. I then mixed a good amount of reptile sand with it to “loosen” the pebble-heavy play sand. This may or may not be a necessary step depending on the quality of your play sand, but mine had so many pebbles that the first few cleanings were mostly sand rocks mixed with droppings. I then sprinkled one scoop of Sweet PDZ across the brooder and mixed it in to help keep odors to a minimum.

My chicks are only one week old, so I suppose it’s possible they will suddenly get super stinky as they continue to grow, but there is literally *no* odor coming from their brooder. None! My nose (and the noses of my family) couldn’t be happier.

I simply scoop the brooder out once a day, as if it’s a giant litter box. I must warn you, particularly if you have allergies or asthma (I have both!) that it’s imperative you wear a dust mask and possibly goggles when you scoop it out, because sand is dusty and chickens make it even moreso.

After scooping, I sprinkle a little Sweet PDZ on top just to make sure everything stays fresh.

The chicks don't eat the sand excessively. They like to peck at it, scratch, and take dust baths in it, though. It absorbs any water spills, distributes warmth wonderfully, and also eliminates the need to give your chicks grit if you feed them treats. All in all, it's a win/win in my opinion.

Anyway, I just love the setup, so I had to share. Pics say it all!

Before:


During:


After:

Thank you so much, this will help a lot when my chicks come in.

 

[chickieluver16]

I am getting six silkie bantams what sand do I use?

 

[kada6305]

I am getting six silkie bantams what sand do I use?

You just use normal play sand

 

[Sam3 Abq]

Thanks for the info - you've sold me.

 

[Suzierd]

I am getting six silkie bantams what sand do I use?

Play sand is not recommended. You want washed construction sand medium grade.

 

[fluffychicken24]

Thank you so much! I've been wondering which type of sand would work best for a while now. This helps a lot.

 

[Wendy12]

I highly recommend it! I hope this is useful to someone.

Im definately going to try this