River sand vs. Concrete sand?

[bakindance]

I have been trying to find River sand, but each place I call tries to sell me concrete sand. Is it the same thing? I asked if it comes from a river and they said no. It's made.

What other choices do I have if I can't find River sand? I am in South Western Ontario, Canada.

 

[foxinachickenhouse]

Pretty sure the terms are interchangeable, depends on where you are. What you got is probably just fine.

 

[Kassaundra]

I've also heard it called builders sand. I think the point is it is roughish, not super fine and dusty.

 

[bakindance]

I did some poking about on the net, and it seems that River sand is not available in my part of Canada. Only concrete sand, which is a coarse sand. I think it's going to have to do!

 

[La Mike]

I have both in my pens
The concrete sand you mention is mason sand and is actually better for keeping clean just make real sure it doesnt have any polimers or silicon in it because its poisunous to your birds
River sand can also have bad things in it so whatever you decide
have it checked out for microbials before putting it in your pens

 

[bakindance]

Oh no - how on earth do I check it for polimers or silicon? Would they know if I ask them at the sand place? I don't even know what they are!

 

[patandchickens]

If you're buying it in bulk from a quarry or aggregates yard, it is not likely to have funky stuff in it.

You might want to emphasize that you need it not to be dusty, and/or if it's possible to go look at a sample before getting a delivery.

Really the biggest thing is to not have it super dusty. And not be contaminated with metal fragments etc but that is not likely to be a concern.

Pat

 

[bakindance]

Thanks Pat.

I took the coarsest sand they had at the yard. It's not dusty, its very granular. The man said that it only had sand in it - nothing else. I bought two yards so hopefully it's enough!

 

[QwnBee]

I have been trying to find River sand, but each place I call tries to sell me concrete sand. Is it the same thing? I asked if it comes from a river and they said no. It's made.

What other choices do I have if I can't find River sand? I am in South Western Ontario, Canada.

 

[pineychickenlady]

I have both in my pens
The concrete sand you mention is mason sand and is actually better for keeping clean just make real sure it doesnt have any polimers or silicon in it because its poisunous to your birds
River sand can also have bad things in it so whatever you decide
have it checked out for microbials before putting it in your pens

How do you have sand checked for mictrobials?