Switching to sand bedding, need help on what to use

[Fluffy_Feathers]

So I have big fly problems in the summer, especially when it is wet. I have been using hay, but now have learned that hay isn't actually the best to use and can actually attract flies. So, I am wanting to switch to sand. I know that sand can't be too fine and dusty or else that will cause respiratory problems. I've read that washed sand is good because there is less dust, but the washed sand I've looked at still have warnings that talk about respiratory problems. Any suggestions on what sand I should use that would be safe?

 

[dawg53]

Since I have lived in northeast Florida and southeast Georgia, sand is readily available. Construction sand can be used as well. The sand I order is from borrow pits in our area. I order 16 yards each time and it lasts about one year for my pens.
Here's a link where we recently discussed sand:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/sand-on-top-of-pavers.1383805/#post-22729792

 

[casportpony]

@dawg53 uses sand, maybe help can offer advice.

 

[black_cat]

So I have big fly problems in the summer, especially when it is wet. I have been using hay, but now have learned that hay isn't actually the best to use and can actually attract flies. So, I am wanting to switch to sand. I know that sand can't be too fine and dusty or else that will cause respiratory problems. I've read that washed sand is good because there is less dust, but the washed sand I've looked at still have warnings that talk about respiratory problems. Any suggestions on what sand I should use that would be safe?

The best sand to use is usually labeled as construction or river sand. I'm having trouble finding it myself, but I know that many people talk to their local quarries and are able to get coarse sand of some sort pretty cheap.

 

[Fluffy_Feathers]

The best sand to use is usually labeled as construction or river sand. I'm having trouble finding it myself, but I know that many people talk to their local quarries and are able to get coarse sand of some sort pretty cheap.

I got some sand-in-a-tube, do you this is okay? Seems to be a lot of fine pieces

 

[black_cat]

I got some sand-in-a-tube, do you this is okay? Seems to be a lot of fine pieces

It looks like it's mostly small rocks instead of sand. You'd probably want a higher sand to rock ratio, but that's really all I can offer. You kind of have to trust your gut with it. If you're worried about it you can try something else.