Sorry if this is a sand repeat ...

[Highland Peach]

I noticed someone posted a question about using sand in lieu of shavings for their DLM but I didn't see an answer, even after reading many pages. What is the consensus regarding using sand or possibly a mixture of 50/50 sand and shavings? Thanks in advance!

 

[elmo]

I don't think sand is compatible with doing the deep litter method because it isn't a compostable material (it doesn't decompose, like shavings or hay). To me, the point of using sand is that it's very easy to remove droppings from it with a kitty litter or some other kind of scoop.

Sand is heavy compared to shavings. If you mix the two, I think most of the sand would pretty quickly sift down to the bottom; either that, or the sand would really weight down the shavings when you try to clean them out of the coop.

I've read about people using sand in their coops during most of the year but adding a layer of shavings on top for warmth in the winter.

 

[Highland Peach]

Thanks Elmo! I appreciate your answer and really enjoyed your two pages showing your coops. They are great inspiration for newbies like me that are trying to plan and build coops.