Sand or Hay for bedding small wooden coop?

[Chelsea-85]

Dears,

I have a small wooden coop (1.3 meter/ 0.8 meter) (2 chickens and a rooster). I use hay for bedding the coop but due to cold weather I notice that after 5 or 6 days the hay becomes wet and has moisture. I was told that sand is better for small coops. But, I do not know how is sand in winter for chickens? Does it keep the chickens warm as the hay?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Pine shavings is the best.
Hay is always a bad idea due to the danger of mold/fungus when it gets wet.
I'm assuming you know the difference between hay and straw, straw would be preferable to hay because it won't mold like hay will.
Some people rave about sand but as humid as it is here, I think it would freeze solid and won't provide any insulation for the chickens' feet.

 

[Chelsea-85]

Pine shavings is the best.
Hay is always a bad idea due to the danger of mold/fungus when it gets wet.
Assuming you know the difference between hay and straw, straw would be preferable to hay because it won't mold like hay will.
Some people rave about sand but as humid as it is here, I think it would freeze solid and won't provide any insulation for the chickens' feet.

Thank you dear for your reply. The hay was good until November, but later on I notice that it gets wet even though no rain or water sneaked into the small coop. I have read articles about the pros of sand in small coops. If it is better than hay, then I would have a go with sand starting from tomorrow.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I use straw in the runs and pine shavings in the coops but never hay. When hay gets wet it molds and can cause aflatoxicosis, aspergillosis and other issues.
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/mycotoxicoses/aflatoxicosis

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC164220/

 

[Chelsea-85]

I use straw in the runs and pine shavings in the coops but never hay. When hay gets wet it molds and can cause aflatoxicosis, aspergillosis and other issues.
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/mycotoxicoses/aflatoxicosis

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC164220/

Thank you dear for your reply. I just wanted to know any experience about sand bedding in small coops.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Then maybe you've seen this lengthy thread on the topic. It should answer all your questions.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/got-sand-you-should.444759/

 

[Chelsea-85]

Then maybe you've seen this lengthy thread on the topic. It should answer all your questions.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/got-sand-you-should.444759/

I appreciate your help, sorry I am new here. Best wishes

 

[RumneyRoost]

How is the ventilation in your coop?
Is the bedding getting wet from the chickens coming in and out? Or do you have condensation?

If condensation is the problem it won’t matter what bedding you have, it’s all going to get wet and freeze. Not to mention it will be damp and cold for the birds.

Sand is nice if you pick it out frequently, and they’ll always have a spot for a dust bath.

 

[nminusyplusm]

Welcome to BYC!

I agree with @RumneyRoost about ventilation. Here's a good thread on it:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/ventilated-but-free-of-drafts.1048597/

 

[Chelsea-85]

How is the ventilation in your coop?
Is the bedding getting wet from the chickens coming in and out? Or do you have condensation?

If condensation is the problem it won’t matter what bedding you have, it’s all going to get wet and freeze. Not to mention it will be damp and cold for the birds.

Sand is nice if you pick it out frequently, and they’ll always have a spot for a dust bath.

That is exactly my problem, it is condensation. My wooden coop is small and I wrapped it up with plastic nylon sheet, except the upper part which is open. I don't know why the bedding will have condensation after few days. Any tips how to get rid of the condensation?

My coop is 1.3 Meter long and 0.8 meter wide including one nesting box for two chickens and a rooster.