the right kid of sand

[ChickenMamaC]

I've been using riverbed sand for my coop but we just had a big monsoon and all the sand available is now too wet. I've moved my chickens into a bigger coop and require more, so I was going to get some from a local sand & gravel supplier. This is the list they provide as to what they carry and I'm not sure which one would be correct:

• Concrete Sand – This is a washed sand with a course grain. It is made for stucco applications and light concrete. It is also used for in lower cost volleyball court sand, playground sand and it is employed as patio paver and flagstone underlayment base material.
• Masonry Sand – This is a washed sand with a fine grain. It is used for masonry applications by masons and plastering contractors. Most of the time it is used by masons for making brick mortar. Uses include playground sand, volleyball court sand and underlayment base for patio pavers and flagstone.
• Playground Sand – This is washed sand with a fine grain. Because this sand has been washed it is great for playgrounds, sand boxes and volley ball courts.
• Fill Sand
• 3/8″ Concrete Mix
• 3/4″ Concrete Mix

 

[Bryant Redhawk]

The concrete and playground sands will be almost identical in sizes, the Masonry sand will be finer grain and far more uniform than the others. I've used playground, masonry and 5 mesh sand blasting sands and all worked well. I wouldn't go for any sand larger than the concrete sand, since that can cause rolling of the chicken's feet which might cause problems.