wood floor and sand?

[wrejme04]

We have a wood floor in our coop and i am really thinking of using sand. i seen on here some time ago that someone had a "recipe" on the sand method. now i can't find it...something about DE and sand and maybe pine shavings????? Any input would be appreciated. Also does it matter what kind of sand is used? I thought about using "dirty"/unfiltered sand because it is a lot cheaper here.

 

[ChickenToes]

Here's a link that may be helpful.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=11374-sand-for-your-coops

 

[MotherJean]

I'm in the Pacific NW with plenty of rain and cool weather months. I have decided to use sand in the coop about half the year (approx. May-October) and then switch to wood shavings for the coldest months (November-April). I have to have sand in the run year round - much, much easier to clean and no mudhole in the winter. Lucky me, I live near two good size rivers with lots of river sand for the taking.

 

[MotherJean]

Sorry, gremlins caused a double posting. Ignore this.

 

[elmo]

Quote:
That's a good approach. I've got sand in my coop, too, and it's easy to keep clean but it is a cold substrate. I might try your approach this winter, myself.

 

[wrejme04]

That sounds like a great idea! Will have to do that this winter!! thanks! Do you guys add DE to your sand?

 

[MotherJean]

Absolutely - food grade DE. Not just for the insecticide properties, but it helps dry the poo and keep the smell down (especially in shavings). There's nothing that will freak me out more than finding lice or mites on my girls

I've used DE for years to keep my cats/dogs flea free and my house, too. Personally, I think that stuff is the best thing since sliced bread.

 

[wrejme04]

where can you get the food grade DE and is DE short for something i went to Rural King and they didnt know what i was talking about.

Also some sad news

i seen one of my girls pecking at another and there was something cawling on her and she smelled bad..........

i think it might be mites

she was the only one with any bugs that i could see. they look like little white nats/ tiny fruit flies but white. Anyone know for sure what they could be? I've been trying to find pictures of mites and lice but the only ones i've found are brown not white.


i put seven dust on all my girls even my four 6 week olds that i just put in the house yesterday. i also put it in my nests and on the floor(which i had just cleaned). My sand doesn't come in until monday should i just put the DE(once i find it) straight on the wood floor??? or wait til i get the sand?

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

is DE short for something

Diatomaceous Earth
It's also called "Fossil flour"
Make SURE to get "food grade" and NOT the pool filter type​

 

[wrejme04]

Thanks