Dust-free substrate recommendations for indoor 'coop'?

[romea]

Our indoor coop/aviary is nearing its completion and I am researching dust-free substrates - as much a reduction of dust can be achieved. I have used sand in the past and loved the ease to keep it clean - but that was in my outdoor coops where dust didn't much matter.

If staying with sand is my best option, what type is the least dusty but can still be kept clean with a litter scoop - and doesn't contain ground up cement (or other ‘debris’)?
In case anyone knows: how does beach sand compare re: dust? (I understand that removal of sand from public beaches is prohibited, but we have over 8000 miles of coastline and quite a bit of “wind sand” that can be collected. Besides, the amount of sand I need is negligible.)

While I like the versatility of sand, I have read through the threads that suggest hemp as a substrate but it appears that some brands (batches?) are dustier than others?
Any other substrates that can be considered largely dust-free?

 

[nuthatched]

Hemp? Pine shavings. The birds themselves generate lots of dander, continuous exposure to it will cause long term health problems.

 

[romea]

Hemp? Pine shavings. The birds themselves generate lots of dander, continuous exposure to it will cause long term health problems.

The problem with pine shavings is that they are not 'scoopable'.
And yes, I am aware of the dander. (I have had poultry for almost 2 decades. )

 

[ChaosMom]

Is Zeolite (“Sweet PDZ”) low-dust?

I own a bag but I haven’t opened it yet.

 

[romea]

Is Zeolite (“Sweet PDZ”) low-dust?

I own a bag but I haven’t opened it yet.

I think that depends on how fine the granules are? Plus walking on them will probably grind them to dust over time??

 

[RojoMarz]

What about some type of pine pellet cat litter?

 

[romea]

What about some type of pine pellet cat litter?

That sounds interesting. I have no experience with that. Is that something they can walk on the whole time or would they have to basically 'wade' through it (sinking into the pellets)?

 

[hammyanne]

I use hemp! It’s a bit pricier but lasts a while and I’ve noticed it’s much less dusty than pine shavings

 

[romea]

I use hemp! It’s a bit pricier but lasts a while and I’ve noticed it’s much less dusty than pine shavings

It is heavy enough to actually stay on the ground when they - say - flap their wings?

 

[hammyanne]

It is heavy enough to actually stay on the ground when they - say - flap their wings?

It definitely gets displaced, but the pieces are more solid and don’t break down the same way that shavings do