Straw/Rape Straw Bedding

[aef]

Has anyone used it? I think its a great idea but scared to make the jump from shavings.

 

[elizabethshaw]

yes, we've started using chopped wheat straw, and sometimes are able to get hold of chopped wheat straw mixed with shavings with eucalyptus oil. also sometimes getting nedz bedz when the other not available. prices vary. much more economical than shavings, especially since they shot up in price. Nice bedding, absorbent and 'stickier' than shavings, doesn't seem to shift around so much and stays compact. very pleased we made the change.

 

[Ali2]

We semi-switched recently. I'm using a bale of chopped straw a week and then adding a bale of shavings once a month. I really like it, its easy to handle, I waste less and it makes a thicker bed. I do find that its not quite as absorbent as shavings which is why I'm adding a bale of shavings once a month.

 

[sarahhull]

I've been using rape straw all winter and really like it. It is really absorbent, and has a really nice smell for the first few days. What I like is that it is denser than shavings so the poo tends to sit on top rather than sink/mix in with the shavings.
I probably use 1 bale per week abd i fully muck out every day.
It was only £5 a bale at the beginning of winter but had gone up to £6.50 when I bought the last batch 6 weeks ago.
Will probably go back to straw tho if price rises again.

 

[miller]

Just swapped (8 weeks ago) to dust extracted chopped straw from Laysoft (like Easibed) and I really like it - it doesn't make my lad cough either which I was expecting

OH on the other hand has a messy mare and hates it but is putting up with it

as it's cheaper

 

[kirinsam]

I have been using Bliss since september and love it . You have to get used to not taking out all the wet every day as it continues to absorb and settle but once that is cracked it hardly moves and I can now get away with 1 -2 full muckouts a week even with a vile mare . Agree the price has gone up a little but still cheaper than shavings.