Sand & zeolite

[tastone]

I've been reading about the attributes of using sand in a run & coop, and hear zeolite is a wonderful addition. Anyone use zeolite? We put a 4-6 inch sand base in our run, and so far love it!

Our coop is a bit more challenging in that the floor of the coop is hardware cloth. It was built this way. I was told to put a thin layer of straw, and each day or so add a layer, then clean it once a week. But I've read straw can cause many problems, and doesn't absorb odor. I'm considering putting something in to line the floor with and then some sort of litter. Sand, shavings, or hemp, but due to the construction of the coop the litter can only be 2-3 inches deep. Any advice or ideas are welcome!

Thanks

 

[Dayrel]

I'm afraid the hardware cloth floor is a mistake. There really is no upside to it. You really should replace it with a solid floor, preferably one that is easy to clean. Then you can put whatever kind of bedding you want.

There was just a recent discussion on this: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/deep-litter-with-hardware-cloth-floor.1242540/

Hardware cloth is excellent for fencing in a run and possibly for protecting coop windows, but I'm not sure why anyone thinks it is a good idea for flooring.

 

[tastone]

Update, we put in a plywood floor over the hardware cloth. Removable for easy cleaning too. Then pine shavings, that I'll mix with hemp. Switching to all hemp once pine shavings are used up. Can't do a 6" deep mulch, but 3" or so at least. Learning process!

 

[Farmgirl1878]

I've got eight juveniles in the big brooder right now with a mix of washed construction sand, zeolite, and pine shavings. The only problem with the sand is that I didn't wash it before adding it to the coop, so it's really dusty. I've got more sand drying in the sunshine right now and will replace what's in there as soon as it dries out. Love the zeolite, it really helps keep the smell down. We got a small bag from the Chicken Chick's Amazon page and then went to Rural King and got 40 pounds on PDZ Stall Refresher to add to the coop when they get ready to move out there. I give it two-thumbs up!

 

[tastone]

Thanks. The PDZ is working great. I use a tennis ball can, and sprinkle it all over the sand then rake in! No smell, and I sprinkle it in their pine shavings. When the shavings are gone, I'll be replacing that with hemp.