If you’re raising backyard chickens in the UK, you’ll quickly realise that coop bedding isn’t just about keeping things tidy — it’s about chicken comfort, health, and even happiness. Among various bedding materials, sand has gained popularity for its unique benefits. But not all sand is created equal, and choosing the right type for your coop can make a world of difference.

Let’s dig in (pun intended) and explore what sand is best for your chicken coop — with practical insights, a dash of humour, and tips tailored for British chicken enthusiasts. Plus, we’ll share how Paw Comfort offers top-quality bedding solutions to keep your hens happy and your coop pristine.

Why Choose Sand for Your Chicken Coop?

First, why even consider sand? Traditional bedding materials like straw or wood shavings are popular, but sand offers some excellent advantages:

• Easy to Clean: Sand drains well and dries quickly, reducing dampness that can cause nasty smells or harmful bacteria.

• Dust Control: Good-quality sand produces less dust than dry shavings, which is better for your chickens’ respiratory health — a big deal, especially in enclosed UK coops.

• Natural Dust Bath: Chickens love to dust bathe, and sand makes an ideal medium for this essential behaviour, helping them stay parasite-free.

• Temperature Regulation: Sand can help keep the coop cooler in summer and warmer in winter when managed well.

Sounds great, right? But the key is picking the right sand, so let’s unpack what to look for.

The Basics: What Makes Good Coop Sand?

Not all sand is suitable for your feathery friends. The ideal sand should:

• Be Clean and Free of Chemicals: Avoid construction or play sand that might contain additives or contaminants harmful to chickens.

• Have the Right Grain Size: Too fine (like beach sand) can compact and cause dust, while too coarse can be uncomfortable and tricky to clean.

• Drain Well: Good drainage keeps the coop dry, reducing ammonia build-up and bacteria growth.

• Be Safe and Non-Toxic: Since chickens scratch and peck, ensure the sand is safe if ingested in small amounts.

In the UK, sourcing sand that meets these criteria is important, given regional variations in soil and sand types.

Types of Sand Commonly Used in UK Chicken Coops

1. Washed Play Sand

Often sold for children’s sandpits, washed play sand is clean and fairly fine. While it’s safe, its fine grain means it can become dusty and compacted when wet, which may not be ideal for larger coops or wetter climates typical in many parts of the UK.

2. Builders’ Sand (Sharp Sand)

Also called coarse sand, builders’ sand has larger grains, providing excellent drainage and less compaction. It’s often used in construction but can be suitable for coops if properly sourced and free of contaminants. However, it’s heavier and may feel less comfortable underfoot for chickens.

3. Pool Sand

Designed for pool filtration systems, pool sand is usually very clean and consistent in grain size. It’s durable and drains well but can be expensive and sometimes too coarse for chickens’ delicate feet.

4. River Sand

Natural river sand can be a good option if thoroughly washed and free of pollutants. It tends to have a nice grain size for coop use but is less commonly available commercially in the UK.

Our Top Pick: Washed Sharp Sand (Builder’s Sand)

Balancing comfort, drainage, and cost, washed sharp sand — the builder’s sand variety — tends to be the best all-rounder for UK chicken coops. Its coarser texture allows droppings to dry and drain faster, reducing odour and bacterial build-up. Plus, it’s less dusty, which is kinder to your hens’ lungs.

Paw Comfort sources and recommends premium quality, washed builder’s sand specifically designed for animal bedding. It’s free from harmful chemicals, properly screened, and tailored to meet the needs of UK chicken keepers. Using this kind of sand can simplify coop cleaning and boost your flock’s wellbeing.

Tips for Using Sand in Your Chicken Coop

• Depth Matters: Lay down at least 4–6 inches of sand to provide good drainage and a comfy dust bath layer.

• Regular Stirring: Chickens love to scratch and dig, which naturally aerates the sand. You can help by turning it over weekly to prevent compaction.

• Spot Clean Often: Remove wet or soiled patches promptly to keep things fresh.

• Combine with Other Bedding: Some keepers mix sand with wood shavings or straw to balance comfort and moisture control, especially in damp UK winters.

Common Questions and Misconceptions

Does sand get too cold in winter?
When properly layered and combined with insulation, sand can be comfortable year-round. Its drainage keeps moisture away, preventing the “wet feet” issue common with straw.

Is sand dusty?
Quality washed builder’s sand produces far less dust than dry sawdust or shavings. If you notice dust, dampen lightly or choose a coarser grade.

Can chickens eat sand?
Chickens naturally ingest small amounts of grit to help digestion, so sand in the coop isn’t harmful if clean and chemical-free.

Why Choose Paw Comfort for Your Bedding Needs?

At Paw Comfort, we know UK chicken keepers demand reliable, safe, and effective coop bedding. Our washed builder’s sand is carefully sourced and processed to meet these standards, helping your chickens thrive and your coop stay fresh. Alongside sand, we offer a full range of quality bedding products designed for British climates and animal welfare.

Choosing the best sand for your chicken coop might seem a small detail, but it’s one that pays dividends in flock health and coop maintenance. Opting for the right type — like the washed sharp sand recommended by Paw Comfort — can transform your chicken-keeping experience from messy to manageable.

So, if you’re ready to upgrade your coop bedding with sand that’s both practical and poultry-friendly, check out Paw Comfort’s range and give your hens the home they deserve.