Tag: coop

Sand or Pine Shavings in the Chicken Coop?

Natural Sand May Be a Better Choice for Your Coop, Here’s Why

Drainage: Sand allows for excellent drainage, which helps to keep the chicken coop dry and prevents the buildup of moisture. This is important for maintaining a healthy living environment for chickens and preventing issues like fungal growth or ammonia buildup, which can lead to respiratory issues for the birds.
Cleanliness: Sand is easy to clean and maintain. Chicken droppings and other debris can be easily scooped out using a long-handle litter box scoop, available on Amazon. It would only take a few minutes to scoop up poop every day, this will keep the coop much cleaner. No more raking out a ton of smelly shavings every week, and replacing it with clean expensive pine shavings.
Comfort: Sand provides a soft and comfortable surface for chickens to walk, stand, and rest on. It is gentle on their feet and joints, which is important for their overall health and well-being. Chickens are also known to dust bathe, and sand provides a suitable medium for them to engage in this natural behavior.
Pest control: Sand can help control pests in the chicken coop. Sand does not provide a suitable environment for many common pests like mites, lice, or fleas to thrive, as it is not conducive to their life cycle. Additionally, sand can be easily raked or turned over, disrupting pest habitats and helping to keep them under control.
Cost-effective: Sand is often an inexpensive option for bedding in chicken coops, especially when compared to other materials like wood shavings or straw. Sand can be sourced locally in many areas, making it a cost-effective choice for chicken keepers on a budget.
Longevity: Sand is a durable material that can last for a long time with minimal maintenance. Unlike other bedding materials that may break down or decompose over time, sand can remain relatively stable and functional for an extended period, reducing the need for frequent replacement.
Natural look: Sand can provide a natural, aesthetically pleasing look to the chicken coop. It can mimic the natural environment of chickens, allowing them to engage in their natural behaviors and feel more comfortable in their surroundings.

Not All Sand is Created Equal
Where to Buy


Sand for your coop and/or run should be natural, consist of variable particle sizes, and shouldn’t be manufactured by crushing quartz. Sand can be purchased in bulk at local quarries, or anywhere that sells rock for landscaping, construction sites, etc. Delivery will most likely be available, but there will be an extra charge for the service. The sand will be dumped on your property, and it will be your job to move it into your coop and/or run.
NOTE: Keep in mind that sand is not suitable for all climates or situations. In areas with heavy rainfall or high humidity, sand may become excessively damp and muddy, which can lead to issues such as increased ammonia buildup or difficulties with drainage. Sand is best used inside a coop, or a covered area. It’s essential to consider the specific needs of your flock, climate, and management practices when choosing bedding material for your chicken coop.
Pine Shavings are Still Useful
Pine shavings are best used in nest boxes, chickens seem to prefer nesting on fluffy pine shavings, not hay, or straw which can be an irritant to the vent area.

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Everything You’ll Need To Raise Chickens

The Basics of What You’ll Need to Get Started


Your start-up cost for raising chicks & chickens can be costly, but you can plan ahead and buy a little at a time. There is plenty of time to have chickens, it can be next season or even the one after! Expect to pay somewhere around $1,000+ for a modest set-up… or better yet, take your time and build the coop of your dream.
Chicken Coop
A sturdy, weatherproof coop is essential for providing your chickens with shelter and protection from predators. Make sure it’s large enough to comfortably house your desired number of chickens, with nesting boxes for laying eggs, perches for roosting, and proper ventilation. How Much Space Do Chickens Need?
Chicken Run
A secure outdoor space where your chickens can exercise and forage. It should be fenced & covered to prevent them from escaping and protected from predators. It should be tall enough for you to easily access it for cleaning.
Bedding
Chickens need clean and dry bedding to keep them comfortable and to help manage waste. Pine shavings are a good choice and are readily available at feed stores. Use a good amount on the floor of the coop and in the nest boxes. However, sand in my opinion will make your cleaning chores a breeze!
Chicken Feed
A balanced and nutritious diet is important for healthy chickens. You’ll need to provide them with good quality chicken feed that’s appropriate for their age and stage of production. Organic feed is available if that is your choice, although it is substantially higher in price.
Waterer
Chickens need access to clean, fresh water at all times. Use a waterer designed specifically for chickens. If you start with chicks, you’ll need a special smaller waterer for them.
Feeder
A feeder designed for chickens or chicks will help keep their food clean and prevent waste. There are various types available.
Nesting Boxes
Hens need nesting boxes where they can lay their eggs. These should be clean, dry, and comfortable, with some privacy for the hens. You’ll need one nest box for every two hens.
First Aid Kit
It’s always good to have a basic first aid kit for any potential chicken health issues. It should include items like poultry vitamins, electrolytes, wound care supplies, and poultry-safe insecticides.
Chicken Wire or Hardware Cloth
To keep your chickens safe from predators, you’ll need to cover any openings in your coop or run with chicken wire or hardware cloth. Make sure it’s sturdy and predator-proof.
Cleaning Supplies
Keeping your coop clean and sanitary is important for the health and well-being of your chickens. You’ll need tools like a rake, shovel, broom, and a putty knife for regular cleaning.
Perches
Chickens need perches to roost at night. Provide them with sturdy, rounded, or flat perches that are at least 2-3 feet off the ground.
Dust Bath
Chickens love to dust bathe, which helps them clean their feathers and control parasites. You can provide them with a designated area filled with sand. Avoid using food-grade diatomaceous earth anywhere in your coop, this can cause serious health and respiratory issues in chickens.
Egg Collection Basket
If you’re keeping hens for eggs, you’ll need a place to collect and store the eggs. An egg collection basket or egg cartons are good options.
A Brooder for Baby Chicks
A brooder is an enclosure or container designed to provide a warm and safe environment for newly hatched chicks to grow and develop until they are fully feathered.
Heat Source
If you’re raising chicks, they’ll need a heat source to keep warm. This can be a heat lamp or preferably, a radiant heat brooder plate.
Thermometer for the Brooder
A thermometer allows you to monitor the temperature and make adjustments as needed to ensure that the chicks are comfortable and healthy.
Grit
Whether or not chicks need grit to help digest their food is controversial. Today, it is said that if feeding commercial feed, grit isn’t necessary. I’ll leave this option for you to decide.

View A Collection of Set-up Ideas

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Spring Cleaning the Chicken Coop Here’s How in Six Steps

That Once a Year Deep Clean Time Has Arrived

After months of cold weather, the coop is probably about as foul as it ever gets, so it’s that time of year for deep cleaning. That means bedding, nest boxes, roosts, feeders & drinkers, and scraping up all the soiled material from the floor.
Confine the chickens to an outdoor run for the day with a sandbox or fresh dirt to have a nice dust bath while their coop is being cleaned. It’s best to let the coop air out & dry for most of the day before adding new shavings and bedding. Choose a sunny breezy day for this not-so-fun chore because the coop will air out and dry quicker. Don’t forget to wear gloves, boots, and a mask when cleaning, there’s going to be all kinds of nasty dust and muck stirred up that can’t be healthy for you… so gear up and protect yourself.
If your chickens are in a shed or enclosed structure, avoid harsh cleaners, vinegar & Dawn dish soap is a suitable cleaner and safe for you and your birds. Use a putty knife to scrape off hard-to-clean areas, and sweep out all the old bedding and pests that have probably been hiding in there over the winter. If you have windows, brush off the cobwebs and all the feathers stuck in them, get the Windex, and make the glass shine.
There are always repairs or needed improvements on chicken coops, and this is the time to address them. Duct tape, zip ties, and baling wire go a long way to fixing things, so make sure you’re armed with these valuable tools. 🙂
After the coop has been thoroughly cleaned, add your fresh bedding, feeders & drinkers, and nest boxes, and don’t be afraid to move things around and make changes. Chickens don’t mind change, and a little change of scenery might even be welcomed. Before returning your birds to the coop, this is a good time to check their individual overall health and address accordingly.

The Simple Version:
Here Are the Six Spring Cleaning Steps to Follow:

Empty the coop: Start by removing all of the bedding and nesting material from the coop. This includes any straw or wood shavings, as well as any old eggs or feathers that may have accumulated.
Scrub the coop: Use a scrub brush and mild detergent to thoroughly clean the inside of the coop. Pay special attention to the corners and crevices, where dirt and bacteria can accumulate. Rinse the coop with clean water and allow it to dry completely.
Treat for pests: Check for any signs of pests, such as mites or lice. If you see any, treat the coop and chickens with a pest control product that is safe for use around poultry.
Inspect and repair: Inspect the coop for any signs of wear or damage, such as holes in the walls or roof. Repair any damage before adding new bedding to the coop.
Add new bedding: Once the coop is clean and dry, add fresh bedding to the floor and nest boxes. Choose a bedding material that is appropriate for your chickens, such as straw or wood shavings.
Restock supplies: Check your supplies of food and restock as needed, make sure you have extra in case of a shortage.

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