Bedding alternatives??

[CSYMolly]

Hunters woodchip has now gone up to £7.30 in my area and I can't keep my mare on straw as she eats it no matter what we spray on it. Gutting as I actually prefer mucking out straw. Does anyone have any other suggestions as to economical bedding I could try? Did try some cheaper woodchips from the supplier but they were big flakes that disintegrated to a useless mess after a day or two so ended up using more of it hence I've stuck with hunters.
Thanks
PS she is a typically wet mare!

 

[chestnut cob]

I've moved on to cardboard and love it. We pay £3.50 a bag (though I think that's because my YO buys crates and crates of it so gets a good deal). It doesn't disintegrate like shavings and isn't dusty.

 

[kerilli]

cardboard, ditto. i've used it for years and wouldn't use anything else. unlike almost all other types of bedding it doesn't break down to dust with use. very warm, no smell, very clean. i use Ecobed and really really rate it.

 

[StaceyTanglewood]

we use woodpellets found it soaks up better than the cardboard !! xx

 

[dressagecrazy]

I use Woodpellets as well, i swapped from shaving & now wouldnt go back to shavings.

 

[maginn]

Just bought some wood pellets for this year, bought a 1000kg load from Liverpool wood pelletts for not much more than £200 which should last 2 horses, for most if not all of the winter. Which is v. impressive IMO. I am new to them but from the first muck out this morning they are easy to use & a bit like shavings but more absorbent and the bedding falls straight off the pooh so you waste hardly anything. I am impressed.

 

[CSYMolly]

That sounds interesting, I'm in Essex though, any idea where I could find a supplier?

 

[maginn]

They deliver anywhere in the country within 2 days so that's not a problem. Prob shouldn't say this but I was a bit naughty & ordered on the basis of using for fuel as then you get them for VAT @ 5% rather than 15%. Hope there's no customs & excise on the forum !!!...but I am sure everybody does the same ?

The only thing I would say is that you will prob need to use 10-15 bags to start the bed. I have used 10 bags but I am on rubber matting & have only got a half bed. The other person on the yard who bought with me has put 15 bags in, but she has a concrete floor and a full bed. But they do give a lovely firm base that doesn't move around much. They estimate 1-2 bags a week to top up, & most people on here seem to use that amount. They have 9% off at the mo, so worth ordering now !

http://www.liverpoolwoodpellets.co.uk/ourshop/