Straw or pine shavings in coop?

[mixmaster]

If your leaning towards sand, I would use play sand. Only because it doesent contain silica... like most sand used for concrete. Silica dust would be just as harmful to the birds as it is on humans

 

[nbenevento]

If your leaning towards sand, I would use play sand. Only because it doesent contain silica... like most sand used for concrete. Silica dust would be just as harmful to the birds as it is on humans

I use sand but I use all purpose sand. This is actually the first time I have heard someone say to use play sand instead of all purpose or construction sand. It's an interesting point but it is the first time I've ever heard of it. Everyone in the past posts I have read has always said to not use play sand. I may have to look into it a little more.

 

[mommy of two]

Do they have courser play sand or is it just one type?

 

[mixmaster]

I personaly would be afraid to use sand for fear of compaction problems in digestion. I know a lot of people use it. I use hardwood shavings from a wood shop. I like the smell and it doesn't change the ph of soil like pine if your composting

 

[mixmaster]

I would think there is more than 1 type of sand. Crayola even makes all colors. If its safe enough for children...

 

[mommy of two]

What is compaction problems?

 

[shadow rabbit10]

I use straw in the winter and late fall because it is much warmer than pine shavings. In the summer and spring, I use pine sahvings. I have not had a mite issue yet. Straw is much cleaner and easier to take out of the coop, but it doesn't cover up the poop stench like pine shavings do. Hay is for feeding, although I do use Timothy hay in the nest boxes. (I only use hay because I feed it to my rabbits, so I have some laying around)

 

[mixmaster]

Compaction would be if they ate the sand and it clumped together in the intesines making it hard to poop. .... be careful with straw it makes heat as it breaks down causing moisture issues. Can be hard on their lungs. Makes them gurggle when they breathe. Just have to change it more regular

 

[chickengeorgeto]

My opinion.

If the runs are weather proof a base of sand, followed by a layer of dry aged horse manure, topped with shredded corn shucks (if you can find them) totaling 9-12 inches or more of litter makes the perfect floor for a chicken coop. Course shavings are superior to straw (pine needles are leaves not straw) Wheat straw is kind of OK if the run is weather proof. The problem is wheat straw and leaves deteriorates to dust in no time and when wet they can become a nightmare.

 

[mommy of two]

Oh ok, which has to be changed more, straw or pine shavings?