Sand or No Sand, that is the question

[LaVidaGallina]

Good Morning, fellow Peeps!
I have already set up my coop and run, awaiting the first eggs to drop. I've done lots and lots of research on this forum as well as Pinterest. It was my decision to use sand in the coop and roost, as well as in the run. I've left a good sized area for my 6 hens with dirt and straw. I've built grazing boxes and lots and lots of activities with perches to keep them busy. I just had some more sand delivered, because I was thinking that in the rainy Oregon months, the dirt will be mud and mucky.
I just now read an article on how sand is the absolute worst thing you can do. The article mentioned it being a breeding ground for e-coli and coccidosis. Also, that the hens will eat their feces from the sand. Now, I keep everything super clean, but is this a concern? Does anyone who has been using sand for a while, had any problem with sick hens? I'm getting so confused with the conflicting information.

 

[Isaac 0]

Welcome to BYC!

As long as you keep the sand dry it will be fine.I would love to use sand but in my climate its to muggy and wet.I know @azygous has been using sand for quite some time.

 

[LaVidaGallina]

Welcome to BYC!

As long as you keep the sand dry it will be fine.I would love to use sand but in my climate its to muggy and wet.I know @azygous has been using sand for quite some time.

 

[LaVidaGallina]

I live in Oregon. Right now it's summer and dry, but we do get quite a bit of rain in the other 3 months. I thought the sand would be better because of drainage issues, but I can't see it drying out thoroughly in that weather. Is that where this problem could lie? I would thing anything I use will be one big wet mucky mess. That's why I chose the sand

 

[jennyf]

I've had chickens for about 18 months and use sand in the coop and a small covered run area. I'm trying to do deep litter in a larger uncovered run area, but finding it challenging building up the "deep" aspect. I've been very pleased with the sand, but having it covered is key; it doesn't get very wet. I also use poop boards in the coop and also will scoop out any giant poops I notice in the run. People definitely have strong opinions on this. I'd definitely do sand again, though!

 

[azygous]

The discussion on sand vs deep litter has come up from time to time here on BYC, and there are those who insist you're courting an outbreak of deadly pathogens that may grow in sand. Then there are those who insist that you're courting a zoo of pathogens to reside beneath your chickens' feet if you incorporate the deep litter method.

The reality is that while under certain conditions either is capable of hosting disease causing pathogens, the actual danger is relatively low.

Most of these bad actors need a combination of high moisture levels accompanied by the right temperature accompanied by stagnant, an oxygen free environment to multiply to the extent they will cause problems.

I've had sand in my runs for seven years, and sand in the coops for three without it causing any sickness. Even at present, with daily monsoon storms causing very damp conditions in the run, there is no odor, and that tells me there isn't any bad bugs blooming. Of course, I scoop the poop so it doesn't accumulate.

One thing that helps to dry out the sand quicker and thus keep down the danger of germs growing in it, is to aerate it by loosening the wet spots with a shovel. The chickens love that and they further agitate the damp particles, inserting oxygen which helps to prevent the bad guys from taking up residence. Nothing like a team effort, I always tell my chickens. They reply, "we're glad to help. Now about those meal worms you promised us...."

 

[aart]

Welcome to BYC @LaVidaGallina!

but I can't see it drying out thoroughly in that weather. Is that where this problem could lie?

Exactly!

..and it won't necessarily 'drain', much depends on the existing soil makeup, the surrounding slope of the land, and the possible run off scenarios(driveways, roofs, etc).

I have nice sandy soil that drains pretty well.....but run still stunk to high heaven during big rains and snow melt season, I have no solid roof on my run-that can make a big difference, I found a good mix of some dry plant material works best. It's doesn't need to be that 'deep'. Balancing good 'browns' to eat up those chicken poops 'greens'.

The discussion on sand vs deep litter has come up from time to time here on BYC

Chuckles, that's for sure!

@LaVidaGallina check out some of the threads in this search:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/search/4112523/?q=sand&t=post&o=relevance&c[title_only]=1

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! I use deep litter, and would NOT use sand. Constant cleanup, only in dry environments, cold and hard in freezing weather. No way! Mary

 

[azygous]

Advice to the OP: when sorting through comments on one thing vs another thing, it's wise to consider those that are backed by personal experience.

I can provide testimonials to the positive qualities of using sand in run and coop. I cannot provide valid testimonials on the qualities of deep litter because, while I do have notions about it, I do not have direct experience with it. So, in the event that I proffer an opinion, you would save a lot of time by ignoring it.

I have severe winters. The sand in my covered run stays dry in winter because snow doesn't come in. The run cover is translucent and lets in sun to heat the run even on below freezing days. The sand acts as a heat sink and retains the warmth and thus moderates the temperature in the run in winter, making it quite comfortable when it's not so terrific outside. It works much the same in the coops since I have a window that lets in sunlight. Another advantage is the chickens have access to dirt bathing material all winter long when the ground outside is frozen or under a foot or more of snow.

 

[aart]

The sand in my covered run stays dry in winter because snow doesn't come in.

Your dry climate is key....dry climate, protected from snow and rain, helps ton.
Removing poops daily if not more, makes a huge difference too.

I use sand on poop boards, but it is so humid here that it can lock up in winter despite frequent(daily) sifting of poops...that's why it's the only place I use sand.