Yet another sand delema question..

[Darkjeweler]

My current aviary is 25x30ish ft. Currently using straw over a red clay floor. The aviary is partially open on top allowing the weather in. When it rains, the aviary floors turns into a muddy, smelly mess. The ducks obviously love rooting around in the muck, however, I don't think it is all that great for the chickens or guineas. And if we don't get numerous days of dry hot weather, it takes weeks to dry out.

At this point I am thinking of mucking out all the wet nasty straw and starting over with masonry sand. I can get 16 tons of sand for like $175ish delivered.. I was thinking about gravel, but 1) it is more money, and 2) I don't want to hurt the ducks feet. I know I don't like walking barefoot on gravel, soooo... I am thinking the sand will be easier to dry and easier to rake out the poo.

Feedback?

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Florida here everything is sand on the island we live on. Drains water away wonderfully. Masonry sand will compact hard over time, try to go with a washed sand, a play sand ect. Use a thatch rake on it to keep it loose and draining well for you.

 

[Mtn Laurel]

Here's a great thread on the pro's and con's of sand in the house and run.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/444759/got-sand-you-should

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Sand for waterfowl is different than sand in a run for chickens. Waterfowl NEED a softer ground to walk on to help prevent foot issues such as bumble foot. Hard compacted clays and ground with rocks are not favorable for their feet.

 

[Darkjeweler]

That was a great link, thanks.

And, yes, I know waterfowl need a softer ground which is why I am thinking of going to sand instead of continuing to deal with straw. The other bad thing about straw is that it takes up a lot of space. It would free up space in my shed if I did not need to keep as much arund for the run.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

straw also molds when wet, so it would be a win/win to not store it and not have the potential to mold.

 

[70%cocoa]

Ditto on using the washed sand, not masonry sand. They behave quite differently.