The Best and Worst Sands for Your Chicken Coop

A Complete Guide to Safe, Clean, and Healthy Bedding

Using sand in a chicken coop or run can be a smart and practical choice—if you select the right type. The proper sand can provide excellent drainage, help control odors, and make cleaning easier. However, not all sand is suitable, and choosing the wrong kind can pose serious health risks to your flock.

The best sands for chicken coops are coarse and gritty. Construction-grade sand, also known as concrete sand, washed sand, or river sand, is a top choice. It features a mix of grain sizes, from fine particles to small pebbles, offering superb drainage and minimal compaction. Chickens enjoy dust bathing in it, and it supports foot health by providing natural grit. River sand is another excellent option—it’s similar to construction sand but usually smoother and free of contaminants or sharp fragments. Bank run sand, sometimes called mason sand if coarse, is also suitable as long as it isn’t too fine. In dry climates, decomposed granite can be used in outdoor runs; it’s very fine and stable underfoot, though it may get dusty.
To use sand effectively in your coop or run, aim for a depth of 2 to 4 inches inside the coop and up to 6 inches in outdoor runs. Clean it regularly using a kitty litter scoop or a fine rake to remove droppings. Good drainage is essential, so place sand in areas that slope slightly or have proper runoff. Refresh the sand every few months by topping it off with a new layer as needed.

❌ Sand Types to Avoid

On the other hand, certain types of sand should be strictly avoided. Play sand, which is very fine and powdery, retains moisture, compacts easily, and creates dust that can lead to respiratory issues and increase the risk of coccidiosis. Beach or saltwater sand may contain harmful salt, bacteria, or contaminants and typically offers poor drainage. Sandbox sand or fine mason sand shares similar problems unless it’s coarse and well-washed. Silica sand is particularly dangerous because its fine particles can be harmful when inhaled, posing health hazards to both chickens and humans.

Sand Keeps Your Coop Healthy—and Easy to Clean

Looking for the right cleaning tool? A Collection of Sifting Shovels for Sand