What bedding have you used when foaling down?

[Spyda]

I know everyone recommends a nice deep straw bed when foaling down in a stable, but what are the alternatives when this isn't possible.

Has anyone else got experience of using another type of bedding for their mare and foal and what was it like for foaling on?

 

[Helen010382]

I have always used straw. Never had any problems with it.

My only advice is not to use shavings - they get stuck everywhere and can be dangerous to a newborn foal.

 

[Spyda]

Me too, I've always used staw.

But what if you cannot get it? Or, as in my case, you are not permitted to use straw? I was thinking also, in other places in the world it might not be possible to source straw. Wonder what they use when they cannot foal outside.

Maybe shavings is a definite no-no, but as someone with rubber matting who's not able to use straw - what could I safely use instead?

 

[Helen010382]

I think it is safe to use shredded paper. (please don't quote me on that tho!)

 

[Spyda]

You know, I never considered that. Might be worth a bit of research. Thanks.

 

[henryhorn]

We try our hardest to foal outside, the field is a far cleaner place than a stable.. Shavings are useless for foaling, they stick to the new born foal and really straw is the best option.

 

[varkie]

I like to use straw with Easibed underneath. That gives a nice warm absorbant underneath to the straw. I do think straw is the best thing for the mares to foal onto tho - don't think I'd be happy with anything else. Once the foal is born, I just stop adding straw to the bed, and over time it just gets lower & lower & we end up with the under bed only.

 

[_jetset_]

I would be interested in this too...

 

[Tia]

Outside preferably but if inside then always straw.

 

[sallyf]

We use a mixture of big flake woodshaving and dust extracted chopped straw mixed together on top of rubber mats which i find fantastic,
Have also used plain large flake woodshavings with absolutely no problems at all.
Straw , we have always put a few shavings underneath.
paper , have never got on with it seems cold.

 

[_jetset_]

Sallyf... is the chopped straw a make? The problem I am looking to have is that my mare is on lovely rubber matting but she is quite wet so it will be really smelly and unclean if I use regular straw and I simply can't clean them every time I muck out as it is a big stable and the mats are awkward etc.

Thanks,

Rebecca

 

[SirenaXVI]

Straw and straw alone