Sand in the Coop

[Karen711]

I had used sand in the brooder and found it very difficult to keep it clean. The sand was compact and not easy to see the droppings as the sand was dark. The only sand I can seem to find that is dryer and lighter in color is sandbox sand but have read that's not a good kind of sand to use. I have moved my chickens to the coop and have pine shavings in there right now which I will change out weekly till I can make up my mind.

The run is just dirt and some grass hear n there. This is my second dilemma..... Weather to leave it as is or if I can find the right kind of sand use it in the run as well. I see the Chicken Chick Lady recommends sand for both coop & run. I am just confused and not sure. I am new to all this. Maybe sandbox sand in coop and leave run dirt?? Your thoughts and opinions will be greatly appreciated as I need to get this done then a daily routine going to make things easy. Thanks

 

[Vickie 51]

We have pullets so they are in a full size coop and run at this point (the run is dirt floor with dome grass the chickens are systematically removing). We use construction sand which is better for chickens. That is the rough sand that gets mixed into things like cement. We actually mix it with some PDZ to keep down the ammonia smell and then top it with pine shavings in the coop. In the run we mix the sand with a little diamatacious earth (food grade) so they can dust bathe.

 

[0wen]

The run is just dirt and some grass hear n there. This is my second dilemma..... Weather to leave it as is or if I can find the right kind of sand use it in the run as well. I see the Chicken Chick Lady recommends sand for both coop & run. I am just confused and not sure. I am new to all this. Maybe sandbox sand in coop and leave run dirt?? Your thoughts and opinions will be greatly appreciated as I need to get this done then a daily routine going to make things easy. Thanks

I wouldn't get too hung up on sand if you're basing your decision primarily on the 'Chicken Chick.' Just like this forum, there are numerous webpages advocating for and against sand. The one below, as an example, is a virtual opposite of the Chicken Chick so take their experiences with a grain of salt.

http://www.fresheggsdaily.com/2013/07/the-real-scoop-on-using-sand-in-your.html

I've used sand and shavings and am currently working towards migrating towards wood chips similar to BYC member "Beekissed" ( https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/70/deep-litter-method/1870 ). I think it's more trial and error for each individuals needs more than gospel from one blogger or the other. If you find you like shavings - use them; don't feel like you have to go to one method or another because someone, somewhere, said you had to...

 

[Karen711]

I wouldn't get too hung up on sand if you're basing your decision primarily on the 'Chicken Chick.'  Just like this forum, there are numerous webpages advocating for and against sand.  The one below, as an example, is a virtual opposite of the Chicken Chick so take their experiences with a grain of salt.

http://www.fresheggsdaily.com/2013/07/the-real-scoop-on-using-sand-in-your.html

I've used sand and shavings and am currently working towards migrating towards wood chips similar to BYC member "Beekissed" ( https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/70/deep-litter-method/1870 ).  I think it's more trial and error for each individuals needs more than gospel from one blogger or the other.  If you find you like shavings - use them; don't feel like you have to go to one method or another because someone, somewhere, said you had to...

So true and well said. Thank you so much

 

[jonalisa]

I use sand and sweet pdz and wouldn't change to anything else.