Small straw bales

[throwaway2022]

It’s been donkeys since I’ve used them, trying to figure out if they’d be more cost effective and I do actually prefer a straw bed as well as mucking one out.

How many small bales would it take to set up a new bed in a 12x12 stable please? Big banks and thick base. It’s very subjective of course but how many bales do people use weekly? Pony is only 11.2 and a bit messy but not dirty. I’m using one bale of Ethos p/w as a guide.

Shavings are all £10 per bale now ?

 

[Flowerofthefen]

I don't do banks as they serve no purpose but they have a thickish bed. I think I used 4/5 in a slightly bigger stable than yours and my beds are to the door. I use 1 bale in each per week. I deep litter during the week and a good muck out ar weekends. Every now and then I chuck in more to top the bed up but at £2 a bale I don't mind!!

 

[blitznbobs]

I don't do banks as they serve no purpose but they have a thickish bed. I think I used 4/5 in a slightly bigger stable than yours and my beds are to the door. I use 1 bale in each per week. I deep litter during the week and a good muck out ar weekends. Every now and then I chuck in more to top the bed up but at £2 a bale I don't mind!!

banks definitely serve a purpose - they look lovely and mean you can store some straw for tomorrow … they might not be necessary but they do serve a purpose

i use 6 bales in a 14 x 12 on top of rubber when i start a straw bed — love the look dont like the smell!

 

[twiggy2]

Proper makes go a long way to preventing horses getting cast

 

[Starzaan]

It’s been proven that proper banks (over 2ft high) prevent horses getting cast.
I would say ten small bales of straw to start a proper bed with proper banks. One or two bales a week depending on how messy your pony is, as only small.

 

[maya2008]

I would add straw on top of your current shavings bed. The leftover shavings will be more absorbent as the base and you might as well use them up rather than chucking on the muck heap. So maybe 8 bales as you have the base already? I have a 10.2hh who uses half a bale of straw a week (on deep litter base that was once shavings) and an 11.2hh who shares her stable on a rotational basis with two yearlings (they’re in during day, she’s in at night) who uses a bale a week. If that helps!

 

[throwaway2022]

Thanks guys, love this forum! I also love big banks ? at least 2ft. As well as looking cosy, I find it quicker to muck out as it reduces the size of the ‘bed’ area.

Will definitely leave the current bed down underneath and deep litter. I’ve got a new pony coming tomorrow, there’s already a small straw bed down which is handy. We can’t get wood pellets, out of Megaspread/Small Flake/Miscanthus - what do you reckon is the most absorbent to stick underneath? I’d guess miscanthus ??‍

 

[Errin Paddywack]

£2 a bale

Round here straw costs nearly as much as hay.

 

[Flowerofthefen]

Round here straw costs nearly as much as hay.

Our straw is £2 and a small hay is £4.50.

 

[Lady Jane]

Banks left for too long are very bad for their breathing as the lack of airation allows fungal spores to develop. The research I've read prove they do not stop horses getting cast. They are useful for prepping straw for the next day though!

 

[Peglo]

I love straw beds. One of mine has straw and the other has shavings and I detest shavings. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong as most prefer it.

I go through just over a small bale a week. I bought small ones as last year OH said he wouldn’t help if I got round ones….. he’s not helped this year as I’m down to 2 ponies. ?
In fairness I’m just glad to have gotten straw. We had a bad harvest up here this year.

 

[throwaway2022]

For reference if anyone ever asks a similar question. I bought four small bales, there was a small amount of straw left behind which I used as the base of the banks, definitely less than one bale. I put down 3 new bales for this bed, banks are solid and base is super thick. Will be grabbing a couple of mats for the front.