Sand bedding for calves

[Teddy6677]

With the price of straw going beyond mad. Been thinking if sand would be a good alternative!? If the calves were kept in loose housing or hutches!!! Also what would someone do with the sand after your used it?!?
If anyone has any experience with this I would be much appreciated! Thanks

 

[davieogrutha]

Nothing wrong with using sand, been using it for a few years now. Works best for calves, does fine for year olds too. Deeper the better, a good 12 inches or more to help the drainage. When it's getting dirty on top just give it a shake up with bucket or dung grab,brings the cleaner sand up. Got an area 26' x20' with sand then a 11' scraping area at feed fence. That did 14 weaned calves nearly 3 months before adding a bit of straw to it. Best thing to do with the sand after using it for bedding is to spread it on a field. Sand is a good source of lime. And it's good for the soil structure too.

 

[Teddy6677]

Nothing wrong with using sand, been using it for a few years now. Works best for calves, does fine for year olds too. Deeper the better, a good 12 inches or more to help the drainage. When it's getting dirty on top just give it a shake up with bucket or dung grab,brings the cleaner sand up. Got an area 26' x20' with sand then a 11' scraping area at feed fence. That did 14 weaned calves nearly 3 months before adding a bit of straw to it. Best thing to do with the sand after using it for bedding is to spread it on a field. Sand is a good source of lime. And it's good for the soil structure too.

Thank you, very helpful

 

[Cowcalf]

need to keep the sand away from drains as causes big problems

 

[Anonymous...]

Silly question but what type of sand do you use

 

[Northeastfarmer]

Silly question but what type of sand do you use

The sandy type

 

[Derrick Hughes]

shavings for calf .. can't see young calves doing on sand due to thir liquid intake

 

[Dan.mc91]

Silly question but what type of sand do you use

Very valid question! Why sand would be best? Sharp sand would be my guess

Nothing wrong with using sand, been using it for a few years now. Works best for calves, does fine for year olds too. Deeper the better, a good 12 inches or more to help the drainage. When it's getting dirty on top just give it a shake up with bucket or dung grab,brings the cleaner sand up. Got an area 26' x20' with sand then a 11' scraping area at feed fence. That did 14 weaned calves nearly 3 months before adding a bit of straw to it. Best thing to do with the sand after using it for bedding is to spread it on a field. Sand is a good source of lime. And it's good for the soil structure too.

 

[Cowmongers]

What about compost as have a farm near by that produces 1000’s of tons of the stuff that they give away free ?
If worked would be great to spread on fields at turnout

 

[Grass And Grain]

What about compost as have a farm near by that produces 1000’s of tons of the stuff that they give away free ?
If worked would be great to spread on fields at turnout

Have thought this myself. Wouldn't want any food waste in it, and I think it would be a bit gassy/smelly - respiratory problems? And a bit wet maybe? Unless stored under cover for a few months.

Just my thoughts.