What kind of sand for dust bath?

[MKetter]

I was thinking of putting sand in one part of the coop. It’s where the roosting bars are. I thought with sand I could scoop out the poop. The birds like to “dust” bathe in the pine shavings in that area. That’s why I thought I’d replace the shavings with sand, so I could get the poo out. What kind of sand would you recommend? I know. Some people just say use dirt, but as it’s under the roosting bars where they like to bathe, I want to be able to scoop the poop easily.

 

[nuthatched]

Any old sand just not sand with the concrete mix in it

 

[ChickenCanoe]

The kind of sand shouldn't matter as long as there is no chance it has been treated or possibly be contaminated with some chemical. Likely 'play sand' would be a good choice. Construction sand from a building supply will also work. I would also add agricultural lime to the sand as it is very fine and will work its way to the feather follicles easily.

 

[MKetter]

I bought the construction sand. I read that if they eat play sand, it’s fine enough that it could impact their crop. But people appear to use it, so it’s probably fine to use.

 

[BigBird 2025]

The kind of sand shouldn't matter as long as there is no chance it has been treated or possibly be contaminated with some chemical. Likely 'play sand' would be a good choice. Construction sand from a building supply will also work. I would also add agricultural lime to the sand as it is very fine and will work its way to the feather follicles easily.

Hey there
I was reading these old posts and found yours, I live in Central Florida. After the girls ate their way past the weeds in their coop I had all the sand I needed. What cought my attention was your suggestion to add Agg. Lime.

My coop/run is 8x12 how much Lime would you suggest adding. Sprinkel it lightly (a dusting)? Mix it in? Let the girls do it? I'm a new chicken dad and want my girls to benifit from this idea. please guide me. Thanks for your help.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Hey there
I was reading these old posts and found yours, I live in Central Florida. After the girls ate their way past the weeds in their coop I had all the sand I needed. What cought my attention was your suggestion to add Agg. Lime.

My coop/run is 8x12 how much Lime would you suggest adding. Sprinkel it lightly (a dusting)? Mix it in? Let the girls do it? I'm a new chicken dad and want my girls to benifit from this idea. please guide me. Thanks for your help.

We don't have the sandy soil that you do. If our soil is dry, the chickens can dig out some decent dust bathing holes and the dry clay turns to dust but like you, it isn't always dry.
I can't really suggest a ratio of lime to sand. I think the term 'some' is what I would suggest. The lime helps control lice, mites and odor.
I did see an article once that suggested 1 part lime, 1-part diatomaceous earth and 4 parts sand. But in my heart of hearts, I consider it an inexact science. I don't recommend the DE because I think it can be problematic if it gets into the chickens' respiratory system.
I don't think I mentioned it in that post you quoted but what I would use in place of the DE is wood ashes. They blend well with the other ingredients and work wonders on the lice and mites. Don't use ash from bbq pits because there can be fat drippings, sauce, etc. mixed in.