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

Learn effective cleaning routines and strategies for keeping your coop safe, odor-free, and pest-resistant. Share advice on using natural cleaning products and scheduling deep cleans.
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NestNurturer
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Re: Struggling with Sand in the CoopNeed Cleaning & Odor Control Advice!

Post by NestNurturer »

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
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Re: Struggling with Sand in the CoopNeed Cleaning & Odor Control Advice!

Post by RoostRuler »

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
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Re: Struggling with Sand in the CoopNeed Cleaning & Odor Control Advice!

Post by SunkenHarvest »

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.
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FeatherFiesta
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Re: Struggling with Sand in the CoopNeed Cleaning & Odor Control Advice!

Post by FeatherFiesta »

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
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Re: Struggling with Sand in the CoopNeed Cleaning & Odor Control Advice!

Post by AmberAviary »

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.
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yava
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Re: Struggling with Sand in the CoopNeed Cleaning & Odor Control Advice!

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Re: Struggling with Sand in the CoopNeed Cleaning & Odor Control Advice!

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Re: Struggling with Sand in the CoopNeed Cleaning & Odor Control Advice!

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Re: Struggling with Sand in the CoopNeed Cleaning & Odor Control Advice!

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Re: Struggling with Sand in the CoopNeed Cleaning & Odor Control Advice!

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