silica sand??

[Baxter's Chickens]

Hi we are putting sand in our coop, I know about play sand, my yard says that silica sand is washed sand, they say it is the same thing. Is this correct?
Thanks!!

 

[Pharmer Dan]

Hi!
Most all sand has silica in it, as well as all the other types of minerals and organics from the area where you obtain it. I live in the country and when you want sand you just go to the local sand/gravel pit and get it. I am assuming this is what you call "yard sand", this sand has silica in it. Typically when people talk silica sand in this area they are referring to the sand you buy in a bag, its fairly expensive and its mainly used for sand blasting or glass making. Silica sand is basically "yard sand" that is cleaned and screened and bagged (air tight). In our area silica sand cost about $20 for a 10 pound bag, "yard sand" or "pit sand" cost about $50 for a 10 ton truck load. For your chicken coupe I would suggest "yard sand".