Sand on coop floor - need opinion on choosing sand

[elehman]

Hi,

My first post! I love reading all the advice and stories on these forums...

We have decided to put sand on our coop floor and are searching for a local supply. We have a lumber mill near our house that sells bulk sands and stones, but I am not seeing an option that seems suitable. Does this look acceptable? Not sure if I can post a link, but here goes
: http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-54226373967519_2155_14599297 My instinct says it is too coarse - it is called stone dust.

The only other option I can find is masonry sand, which also doesn't seem ideal...

Thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[bryan99705]

Looks ok for a run. The finer stuff will be picked up for grit and the bigger stuff will help drainage. For litter, look at sandbox sand that is a more even size and finer

 

[elehman]

Thanks, I am guessing masonry sand is about the same as sandbox sand, so I'll go with that at only $40 per cubic yard. How think do people generally lay the sand in the coop and the run. I'm guessing around 3" each, or is that overkill?

 

[Love my Critters!]

On other posts I've read they do it about 3 inches deep. I'm getting ready to try sand in my coop for the first time too.

I almost forgot....

 

[Zonoma]

I sanded my run (but not the coop- I want good compost) just a few days ago, right before a big rain. BEST DECISION EVER!

 

[stubbornhill]

elehman, stone dust is well...like dust. It is super fine, probably too fine for what you are considering. It is what masons use to lay as a foundation before putting down a patio, walkway, etc and what they lay in between the stones to "lock" them into place. Out of the two mansonry sand would be a better choice. Best wishes with your project!

 

[stilldeb]

I'm getting ready to put sand in my runs, too. We just disassembled our 27' above ground pool (kids are gone and we have CHICKENS now - and they don't swim), that had literally tons of sand underneath, and I plan to put it to good use.

deb g

 

[ninabeast]

I used washed all-purpose sand, which has a good mixture of grain sizes, about 3" deep. It's working out great.