What works better?! My chicks will go in the big coop in a few weeks and I'm trying to figure out what to use. They're on pine shavings now and they get it in everything but seem to enjoy it.
To a great extent its a personal choice. Sand is easier to scoop out with a cat litter scoop, and drains moisture well, but gets too hot in direct summer sun. Pine shavings help control odor and absorb moisture from the poop.
If I did sand, it would be in the coop and possibly part of the run, like a chicken sandbox. The pine shavings now just get everywhere and when they get wet from the water its pretty gross.