Sand in the coop

[MyChickenWishList]

I am just putting up a new run and was wondering what would be the best to put down after the chickens have trampled and ate all the grass. I`m thinking sand is the way to go. I know they love dust bathing. And I am from northern MN so we dont have the heat but bitter winters. But even in 50-60 degree weather my chickens prefer shade. I tarp the temporary run right now. Once in a while Ill see them sit in a sunny spot for about 5-10 minutes but prefer shade...so I can imagine they really must heat up in the south.

So the bags of play sand from Menards and Home depot are ok to put in the chicken run??

 

[BlueBetween]

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I set the feeder inside a large plastic plant saucer to help contain the spills. At the end of the day, I dump what's in the saucer back into the feeder. Anything that gets into the sand is easily scooped out by my home made pooper scooper: a reptile litter scoop taped to a long handle so I don't have to bend over.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/32217_litterscoop.jpg

Thanks Elmo - I have that same reptile scoop - my food is still starter chick food, and half of it still goes through even those holes. But I just put a plant saucer under it, so maybe that will help!

 

[birdface]

Thanks, i think im going to try it out. How does it do for keeping flies out? I got alot going on right now.

 

[Tikkijane]

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How many/much? I have some trees and rake a few times a year. There would be enough for a mat of needles- is this ok? Nobody gets poked with all the flying action of needles and birds?

 

[bryan99705]

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You should really get some cover for those birds, as hot as your area gets. Ideally something white like painted plywood even if it's sitting elevated off the ground by some blocks. Those birds need so shade

 

[hcppam]

yes where did you find your extra long kitty scoop?

 

[hcppam]

awww i see home made scoop.

 

[forestrymom]

So do you compost the poop then? Or will it not compost since its mixed with sand. I feel dumb even asking that!

 

[BlueBetween]

Quote:
yep, throw it in with your regular compost - you'll need leaves and grass and such from yard waste to make good compost if you don't have the wood shavings or hay.

 

[dbounds10]

my long kitty scoop is not home made I bought it from here:

http://goliathscoop.com/index.html

Most of my run is shaded and I have not had issues yet, however they were all panting yesterday and I am a little worried. They hand out under the coop most of the day and have plenty of water. I bought a mister but I broke it on accident

Need to go get a new one asap.

Yes - they eat the food they spill right out of the sand. Some of it gets scooped up when I clean it out. I use both the big scoop and a reptile scoop if there are little poo's since they will fall through the bog scoop.