If you’re a backyard chicken owner, you know that chickens are creatures of habit. They require regular feeding, watering, and cleaning of their living space to stay healthy and happy. One often overlooked aspect of caring for chickens is the addition of chicken sand to their coop or run.
Sand is a great option for backyard chicken owners because it provides a variety of benefits for your flock. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of using sand in your chicken coop or run, different types of sand, and tips for maintaining a sand-covered area.
You may also want to read about the best bedding for a chicken coop.
Benefits of Using Sand in Your Chicken Coop or Run
There are several benefits to using chicken sand in your chicken coop or run, including:
- Absorption:
Chicken sand absorbs moisture quickly, which helps keep the coop or run dry. This is important because wet areas can promote bacterial growth and cause respiratory problems for your chickens.
- Pest Control:
Chicken sand helps deter pests like mites and lice. These pests can be harmful to your chickens and difficult to eliminate, but they thrive in damp environments. Using sand in your coop or run helps keep the area dry and less hospitable for pests.
- Cleaning:
Chicken sand is easy to clean and helps control odors. Droppings can be easily scooped up and removed, and the sand can be raked to redistribute clean areas.
- Dust Control:
Using sand in your coop or run can help control dust. This is important because chickens are susceptible to respiratory problems from inhaling dust.
Types of Sand for Chicken Coops or Runs
When selecting sand for your chicken coop or run, it’s important to choose a type that is safe for your chickens and easy to maintain. Here are some common types of sand to consider:
- Play Sand:
Play sand is a popular option for chicken coops or runs. It’s clean, affordable, and easy to find at most hardware stores. However, it may not be as absorbent as other types of sand.
- River Sand:
River sand is a natural, coarse sand that is often used in construction. It’s also a great option for chicken coops or runs because it’s absorbent and easy to clean. However, it can be more expensive than other types of sand.
- Mason Sand:
Mason sand is a fine sand that is often used in construction. It’s a good option for chicken coops or runs because it’s absorbent and easy to clean. However, it can be more expensive than other types of sand.
- Silica Sand:
Silica sand is a natural, high-quality sand that is often used in industrial settings. It’s a good option for chicken coops or runs because it’s very absorbent and easy to clean. However, it can be expensive and may not be necessary for backyard chicken owners.
Tips for Maintaining a Sand-Covered Area
Once you’ve chosen your sand, it’s important to properly maintain the area to ensure that it continues to provide benefits for your flock. Here are some tips for maintaining a sand-covered area:
- Keep It Dry:
Make sure the sand-covered area stays dry. If it gets wet, it can promote bacterial growth and respiratory problems for your chickens.
- Rake Regularly:
Rake the sand regularly to redistribute clean areas and remove droppings. This will help prevent odors and keep the area clean.
- Add More Sand:
If the sand-covered area becomes too low, add more sand to maintain a consistent level. This will help prevent wet areas and ensure that the area remains absorbent.
- Clean Out Regularly:
Clean out the sand-covered area regularly to remove any buildup of droppings or debris. This will help prevent odors and ensure that the area remains clean and healthy for your chickens.
