Bedding options

[Ceifer]

My local farmer has stopped taking muck heaps away. I’ve found someone else who will take it but they have said I need to reduce the volume as they will struggle to take all of it.
ive started a separate muck heap for my field manure and can repurpose that in the garden once rotten.
My stable muck is on straw and although i think it is the quickest rotting option (I may be wrong though) there’s quite a lot that comes out.
What other bedding options could I use that would create less bedding coming out but will rot down fairly quickly? Farmer doesn’t want wood shavings but I’m wondering about straw pellets or miscanthus maybe? Suggestions welcome.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

My farmer wont take any make of shavings, paper, cardboard or wood pellets. Or large amounts of hay from sweeping out barn etc.
However, he is happy to take miscanthus, Aubiose and straw. I haven't checked on other bedding as not using other types.
I rarely ever use straw tho as it fills the muck heap too quickly.
I'm careful to level over the heap daily and tread it down as compacting helps it rot more quickly, thus mixing field and stable barrow loads through the winter, tho summer is mostly just droppings from field.
Mine is about 10 ft x 10ft and it gets to about 4 to 5ft high after 6 months, it's taken twice yearly.

 

[Sossigpoker]

Chopped straw maybe? You use it like shavings basically and creates similar amount of waste . Or just shavings if the farmer is happy with that?

 

[CanteringCarrot]

Straw pellets could do the trick. I've been pleased with them re absorbency in the stable, they rot down well/quickly, and create less bulk.

 

[Sandstone1]

I have just started using straw pellets and so far please with them. Not taking much out and supposed to rot quickly. Its not the prettiest bed as dark in colour but as long as its clean and dry that doesnt matter to me.

 

[HeyMich]

Straw pellets. They disappear to nothing on the muck heap and aren't as acidic as wood pellets so farmers are happier to spread them on fields.

 

[MotherOfChickens]

Chopped straw or straw pellets rot down quickly and have a much reduced volume. Prefer the former personally.

 

[Ceifer]

Thanks all. I have used miscanthus before and presumed it rotted fairly quickly but I’m also tempted to use the chopped or pellet straw ?. Will compare prices