Changing to Shavings

[chickeninabun]

I'm thinking of changing my horse onto a shavings bed, but it's not something I've ever really used before and don't know much about it.

Is it best deep littering, like I do now with straw, or taking everything out everyday?? I always imagine shavings really smell if left with any wet in.

Better or worse as far as muck-heap space is concerned??

How much will I use?? She has a stable approx 12x12 and at the moment (for cost and time saving efficency) she has the back left, approx third of the stable covered in straw.

Is it quicker/slower than straw to muck out??

Any else??

 

[Izzwizz]

I use Snowflake supreme shavings on rubber matting. Both have a good bed in about the same size stable as you. I cover 3/4 of the floor space with shavings, starting from scratch you may need 3 bales, depends on which ones you use and how much you get from the bag. Snowflake pack them in and they go a long way. I use 2 bales per horse weekly. Daily I take out all the wet and pooh so effectively muck out the lot. I dont deep litter as really dont see any advantage of it. Muck heap is a mixture at our yard of straw and shavings, at a guess shavings will take up less muck heap space. Speed - not much difference, I muck out straw beds and shavings beds daily.

Hope this gives you an idea.

 

[chickeninabun]

Thanks Izzwizz, that's really helpful.