using sand in your coops

[shopchicks]

Yes, the sand won't hurt your compost at all.

 

[r00stercogburn]

Thank you guys so much for all your great input!
One more question, I keep hearing about what a mess chicks make in their brooder box - any opinions about putting coarse sand in that?
thank you!!

 

[SilverLacedLady]

This is exactly why I love BYC. I had seen 1 or 2 people using sand in the coop and one referred to it as "playground sand." I went and got enough to cover my coop and run and I absolutly love it. The birds weren't quite sure waht to think at first, but now they really enjoy it. I don't give mine and grit, but under the thin layer of sand there is plenty of soil with small rocks, about the size of commercial girt. I have done the sand in the brooder box, and it worked well. it will hold the heat and i was actually having to turn the light off every so often because it was to warm. so just keep an eye on them, or use a thermometer with an alarm like the one I have. I don't remember the brand but I got it at Lowe's for about $20. Until i put sand in the brooder I'd never seen a chick take a dirt bath.

 

[r00stercogburn]

this is the best forum a new chicken owner could hope for!
thank you every one for all your help!!
thank you,thank you, thank you!!!

 

[kichohana]

I just recently added 4-5 inches of sand to my run and love it. I added DE to the sand as I raked it into the run. It stays dry, the chickens feet stay clean, the poop scoops easily in about 5 minutes with a giant kitty-litter scoop. I frequently see the girls huddled in the sand taking their "baths". I am very happy with the addition of sand. I bought the 1000 lb bag at Lowes - cost about $33.00 and worth every penny.

 

[harleyjo]

We have been putting wood shavings down on our wood floor in our coop, would sand work better?

 

[Tigerjane]

Quote:
Do you recall the name of the product/brand that you got at Lowes???

 

[easttxchick]

Quote:
Harleyjo-I had been using the wood shavings in my coop(and probably will put some down this winter for a bit of insulation), but we have cleaned all of the shavings and hay out in order to put sand down in the coop and run.
It seems to me from what everyone on here has said that it will make cleanup SO much easier.

 

[elmo]

Quote:
Sand vs. shavings is pretty much a matter of personal preference. If you want to use the "deep litter method" you'll need to use shavings. Shavings are also a warmer substrate if you live someplace with a cold winter climate.

As for myself, I just hated the way shavings blow everywhere, and how hard it was to pick droppings out of the shavings. I like to do daily quick cleanups, rather than annual or semiannual big cleanups, so sand was the obvious choice for me.