Struggling with Sand in the CoopNeed Cleaning & Odor Control Advice!
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NestNurturer - Hatchling

- Posts: 23
- Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:31 pm
- Location: São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
Re: Struggling with Sand in the CoopNeed Cleaning & Odor Control Advice!
Are you using construction sand or play sand? Coarser sand drains better and doesn't clump as much, which might improve your experience.
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RoostRuler - Chick Keeper

- Posts: 31
- Joined: Mon Jan 27, 2025 4:36 pm
- Location: Veracruz, Mexico
Re: Struggling with Sand in the CoopNeed Cleaning & Odor Control Advice!
If you like sand but hate the odor, try adding a thin layer of zeolite,it helps absorb ammonia and keeps things smelling fresh.
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SunkenHarvest - Chick Keeper

- Posts: 29
- Joined: Tue Jan 14, 2025 6:15 am
- Location: Pago Pago, American Samoa
Re: Struggling with Sand in the CoopNeed Cleaning & Odor Control Advice!
ChickadeeChampion wrote: Sat Feb 08, 2025 4:54 am Hi everyone!
When I moved my chicks outside, I decided to try sand in the coop after hearing it was easy to clean and helped control odor. Unfortunately, that hasnt been my experience at all.
I scoop daily using a cat litter scoop, but it feels tedious, and I can never get the coop as clean as Id like. Theres also a strong odor despite my efforts. The biggest issue is that spilled feed gets mixed into the sand and wont sift out properly.
Is there a better way to clean sand efficiently? Or should I consider switching to another bedding? Any advice on reducing the smell?
Thanks in advance!
I use a kitty litter scoop with a metal mesh. It makes daily cleaning easier and catches more of the waste than plastic ones.
Live like you ain't afraid to die, and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride.
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FeatherFiesta - Hatchling

- Posts: 16
- Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:30 pm
- Location: Ürümqi, China
Re: Struggling with Sand in the CoopNeed Cleaning & Odor Control Advice!
Sand needs frequent stirring to stay fresh. A small garden rake works great for turning it over and helping it dry out.
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AmberAviary - Eggling

- Posts: 9
- Joined: Fri Jan 31, 2025 12:18 am
Re: Struggling with Sand in the CoopNeed Cleaning & Odor Control Advice!
ChickadeeChampion wrote: Sat Feb 08, 2025 4:54 am Hi everyone!
When I moved my chicks outside, I decided to try sand in the coop after hearing it was easy to clean and helped control odor. Unfortunately, that hasnt been my experience at all.
I scoop daily using a cat litter scoop, but it feels tedious, and I can never get the coop as clean as Id like. Theres also a strong odor despite my efforts. The biggest issue is that spilled feed gets mixed into the sand and wont sift out properly.
Is there a better way to clean sand efficiently? Or should I consider switching to another bedding? Any advice on reducing the smell?
Thanks in advance!
Have you tried deep-cleaning the coop with a sand sifter? A hardware cloth screen over a bucket can help separate waste from clean sand.
