Hens and builders sand?

[mandyballantyne]

Following on from Tick9 thread about using wood chip...............

I have a fair amount of builders sand left over from a recent build and wondered if I can use it in the undercover run and walk way I use to help improve draining without causing the hens any problems???

Knowing my lot the will start eating it as soon as it goes down but I guess it is no different from what they pick up when free ranging?

If it is ok, it will give them a cleaner area to dust bath as the dry run has turned the white chickens a dirty brown and hopefully on the walk way improve drainage over the winter months.

Any thoughts welcomed, Mandy

[RichmondHens]

I can't see that it would do any harm. As you say, when they are free ranging they have access to anything and everything.

My white chickens too are looking distinctly dirty, and they are on grass. I think the cock's muddy feet has a lot to do with it. You can tell the ones that are laying as they are filthy, the non layers (not interesting to a cock) are still pristine.

[mandyballantyne]

I can't see that it would do any harm. As you say, when they are free ranging they have access to anything and everything.

My white chickens too are looking distinctly dirty, and they are on grass. I think the cock's muddy feet has a lot to do with it. You can tell the ones that are laying as they are filthy, the non layers (not interesting to a cock) are still pristine.

Thanks RichmondHens,

Not overly worried about the colour of them but it is getting more muddy by the day so just looking to improve the ground dryness for them and me!!

I will do a test area and see how much they eat before tipping the lot in......


Mandy

[pauco]

Following on from Tick9 thread about using wood chip...............

I have a fair amount of builders sand left over from a recent build and wondered if I can use it in the undercover run and walk way I use to help improve draining without causing the hens any problems???

Knowing my lot the will start eating it as soon as it goes down but I guess it is no different from what they pick up when free ranging?

If it is ok, it will give them a cleaner area to dust bath as the dry run has turned the white chickens a dirty brown and hopefully on the walk way improve drainage over the winter months.

Any thoughts welcomed, Mandy

It can't do them anyharm, and most birds love a good dust bath at the best of times.
Winter as well as summer, so give em a treat.

paul.

[mandyballantyne]

Thanks Pauco,

I will start moving it from the plot to there garden at the weekend.

Should give some funny pics as they love anything new!

Mandy