Bedding types (sorry I know its been done loads, but I cant find a pos

[RubysGold]

I have been using straw but my horse has a dust allergy so I need to look for an alternative.
I have been looking at shavings but they seem expensive.
What other bedding can I use?
I want something that will work out fairly cheap, with not much dust, I also don't want something I have to add water to as there is no hose at the yard (unless you can use a bucket of water)
Please tell me about other types of bedding that would suit me.
I have rubber matting, but I'm not bothered about mucking out time etc, full bed, deep litter, I'm not fussed, just would like to save money but use dust extracted bedding.
Also, am I wrong in thinking those pellet things would be uncomfortable, not very nice for a horse to lie on?
Thanks
Nickie

 

[Mavis Cluttergusset]

My mare is bedded on shavings and although they are expensive I use probably 1 bag every 10 days. She was on chopped straw (not allowed normal straw at our yard) and Id use 2 or maybe 3 bags a week in winter.

 

[ForeverBroke_]

Bed-Down Excel is my favourite by any shot. Its dust free, fluffs up about a 1/3 more than shavings, is clean, fragrant and cheaper than shavings

 

[Natch]

Dust extracted shavings?

The wood pellet beddings disintegrate, so not uncomfortable, and I would say you can use a watering can to bed it down. Not too sure if that would set off the allergy though?

 

[charliep]

I use snowflake soft chip. Works out about £2 cheaper per bale than standard shavings, although I am not 100% convinced they are as dust free as they claim. I put a couple of bales in at the weekend and I could see loads of dust in the air.

 

[WelshD]

Aubiose is good but quite expensive

Bedmax shavings are about £3 a bag cheaper than normal shavings round here - worth a think maybe?

 

[kerilli]

Ecobed cardboard, lovely and clean, doesn't disintegrate and become dusty, no smell, warm, easy to muck out, mulches well (wormery worms love it!)

 

[Oberon]

I love wood pellets. Cheap, easy to muck out and don't set off my asthma or dust allergies.

Wood pellets in their bag.

Close up

After activation but before being slept on

Close up. As soon as they're stood on they crumble.

After Obi had a party.

Yeuck!

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After a full 2 minutes of mucking out.

It is very soft to the touch

Obi enjoying his dinner after having a huuuugge pee. (He managed to pee on a bedding free bit so it's running everywhere!)

"Will you **** off with that camera!!!

 

[Oberon]

P.S. I use a watering can with a flower spout to dampen them.

 

[VictoriaEDT]

good pics oberon!

 

[RubysGold]

I've just been looking on the internet, and the wood pellets do seem good.
I've found them at prices under £5.00
Only thing is which type of wood pellet, and who delivers to Yorkshire?
Nickie

 

[Vicki1986]

im on straw... was on shavings years ago til the cost started going up.

im changing at christmas time to wood pellets after hearing nothing but good reports.

i looked on corley bio for mine. if you have room for 100 then its very cheap.

 

[Oberon]

Most companies deliver nationally. I bought mine from PLQ Pellets via an Ebay special offer. You do have to buy in bulk. I got 1 tonne (14kg sacks x 72) for £181 delivered (to Blackpool) - a week later they were £161

. That's enough for both my horses for the whole winter. It equates to £2.44 per bag. Not a huge amount of room needed for them and they can be stored outside.
I can personally recommend PLQ - but Liverpool Wood Pellets also have a good reputation.