bedding - straw impractical, shavings expensive - what else?

[Janetterose]

Wilbo doesnt have any kind of respiratory disease, looking to change from straw to another type. Someone mentioned elephant grass. Does anyone know if this is any good, and any drawbacks? Thanks

 

[teresagarsden]

Hi there, I have just changed my 3 neds onto chopped cardboard and its fantastic. It took 5 bales to set the bed with banks and only using 1 per week to top up. It works very much the same as shavings as its small squares mixed with longer strips. even dropped hay is easy to remove. I cannot sing its praises enough and only £3.50 per bale.

 

[tabithakat64]

Megazorb

 

[bounce]

I use shredded paper. Generally easy to get hold of and around £5.80 a bale. I use about 1.5 bags a week for one messy horse. I only put a bed down in one corner where he wets, poos and lies down and I use rubber mats. Its good bedding, very absorbent and clean. However it does blow around and if you like a really tidy stable it probably isn't for you as it does move about.

Tree - where do you get the chopped cardboard at that price from?

 

[bonnie08]

sawdust
easibed (hard to get hold of at the moment though)
Nedzbed

i have found all of these really good to use for my messy mare!!

 

[teresagarsden]

not sure where you are? I get mine in Rishton Lancashire if you struggle local to you pm me and i will give you the number but i dont think they deliver. But i called all the local box and carton companies as they have lots of off cuts that most shred. I even found a company that offered me a tonne for £28 but i wont get that in the car! shame

 

[dixie]

I use elephant grass - Miscanthus.

http://www.fennington-fibres.co.uk/

It's easy to use, very similar to shavings and costs £5.60 a bale or £5.20 if I buy 10 or more & I can get 10 in the car - just! Much cheaper than shavings.