Changing to shavings after only ever using straw

sandi_84

sandi_84

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So went to view a field and stables for my lad and his new companion, it's perfect! On the top of a hill but the field is almost flat so should be well draining without being a pain to push wheelbarrows round :)

The stables are rustic but very sturdily built and I have decided to use shavings rather than straw for bedding... only I've never used shavings before, is it easy to muck out?

Does anyone use free shavings from their local sawmill?
 
Hi

I use shavings for all of mine. You will find that they are much more absorbant than straw and i find them easier to muck out.

For a 12 x 12 stable i would start of with 7 bags to make a decent bed. I dont bother with banks as unless they are solid and big they are not much use IMO.

To muck out, i first pick up the poos by hand and then using a fork, not a shavings fork (i hate them), move the clean shavings to the sides and find the wet patch. Shovel the wet patch up and fork up the whole bed checking for escapee poo as i go.

Then add more shavings if needed.


I buy shavings in for about £4.50 a bale, dont use any particular brand :)
 
thewonderhorse said:
Hi

I use shavings for all of mine. You will find that they are much more absorbant than straw and i find them easier to muck out.

For a 12 x 12 stable i would start of with 7 bags to make a decent bed. I dont bother with banks as unless they are solid and big they are not much use IMO.

To muck out, i first pick up the poos by hand and then using a fork, not a shavings fork (i hate them), move the clean shavings to the sides and find the wet patch. Shovel the wet patch up and fork up the whole bed checking for escapee poo as i go.

Then add more shavings if needed.


I buy shavings in for about £4.50 a bale, dont use any particular brand :)
Click to expand...

Brilliant, thank you! You make it sound really easy :) Hopefully I'll get into the swing of it pretty quickly :)

Going to start renting on the 1st of jan hopefully so pics will follow soon :)
 
another on shavings here :)

Agree with thewonderhorse, except i use a shavings fork for the poos and wet and a normal fork to bed down :)

You will find they don't smell nearly as much on shavings either

ETA we top up with 1 bale every week and occasionally add chopped straw to the bed if its looking a bit depleted - it is amazing stuff.
 
I use shavings - am allergic to straw!
I find it really easy to muck out - not as heavy and back breaking as straw but, like all new things, I imagine it will take you a couple of weeks to get used to it :)
In the past I have obtained free shavings from a saw mill but, they were horrible - very dusty and lots of 'foreign objects' in them. I now get mine from a local shavings supplier - shaving made specifically for horses. These are cheaper than the branded shavings but just as good.
 
I would also consider wood pellets. Shavings and pellets and paper do not rot down as well as straw tho. No use trying local sawmill, they need to be clean, dust free , and sold for equine use.
 
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