Sand for the coop

[AndresLewis]

I've been doing a ton of research and like the idea of doing sand in the chicken coop. I was going to get construction sand from a local gravel company but they are closed until the end of April because of Covid-19. On a chicken FB page I follow they said all purpose sand is the same as construction sand so my husband bought this from Home Depot. I worry about it being too fine. Any thoughts? Is it too fine?

I also read you can put sand in the chick brooder after they have figured out where their food and water is. Would this be okay for that? New Chicken Mama here and I just want to provide the best for them! Thanks!

 

[quailmama 82012]

sand in the coop would be fine, i use that type myself.
BUT NOOOO to the in the brooder. i have researched it and its bad in many ways. they will probably still eat to much sand even if they know where the food is, the sand is not absorbent, the dust gets in there lungs, and the sand gets really hot on there feet. the list goes on!
good luck with your chickens.

 

[AndresLewis]

sand in the coop would be fine, i use that type myself.
BUT NOOOO to the in the brooder. i have researched it and its bad in many ways. they will probably still eat to much sand even if they know where the food is, the sand is not absorbent, the dust gets in there lungs, and the sand gets really hot on there feet. the list goes on!
good luck with your chickens.

Thank you! That makes sense! What bedding do suggest for the brooder?

 

[quailmama 82012]

i use paper towels, 3 layers thick, and some other people suggest putting wood shavings on top of that. the paper towels worked for me, and i cleaned there cage once a day. with paper towels it is pretty easy.

 

[ShannonsChimkens]

I use the all purpose sand in two coops as well. One coop does very well, as the chickens are older and spend most of their time outside during the day. It’s a large shed type coop.

The second coop is smaller and have been using it as a brooder coop. It does NOT do well with 37 birds. Mind you they’re 7 & 8 weeks old and have a small run outside, but it stinks. They poop and poop and poop. Did I mention that they poop a lot? So brooding with sand isn’t a smelly good option either.

 

[Papmike]

The coarser the sand the more air can infiltrate it, more aerobic breakdown. Concrete sand would be better in my opinion. You can purchase it from construction/sand and gravel supply.

 

[AndresLewis]

I use the all purpose sand in two coops as well. One coop does very well, as the chickens are older and spend most of their time outside during the day. It’s a large shed type coop.

The second coop is smaller and have been using it as a brooder coop. It does NOT do well with 37 birds. Mind you they’re 7 & 8 weeks old and have a small run outside, but it stinks. They poop and poop and poop. Did I mention that they poop a lot? So brooding with sand isn’t a smelly good option either.

Wow 37 birds! I can imagine that is a lot of poop! Thank you for the response and the ideas!

 

[AndresLewis]

The coarser the sand the more air can infiltrate it, more aerobic breakdown. Concrete sand would be better in my opinion. You can purchase it from construction/sand and gravel supply.

That was our original plan but the local place is closed because of Covid-19. When they open again we will definitely get more from them.

 

[ColoradoPip]

I believe that sand contains crystalline silica. If that is the case you should not use it. It is known to cause respiratory issues. The bag will tell you if it contains that.

I am 99.9% positive the brand you posted contains crystalline silica. Do not use it. If you have, remove it and replace it.

This brand, found at Lowes here, does not contain that chemical:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Aspen-Mountain-0-5-cu-ft-Tan-Paver-Base-Sand/3726717

 

[AndresLewis]

I believe that sand contains crystalline silica. If that is the case you should not use it. It is known to cause respiratory issues. The bag will tell you if it contains that.

I am 99.9% positive the brand you posted contains crystalline silica. Do not use it. If you have, remove it and replace it.

This brand, found at Lowes here, does not contain that chemical:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Aspen-Mountain-0-5-cu-ft-Tan-Paver-Base-Sand/3726717

Good to know! I will go check that now! We haven't used it yet! Thank you!