Need help with bedding in foaling stalls

[Linda]

I'd like to hear what you all use in your foaling stalls as bedding. I used hay last year, but a friend uses crushed cotton seed hulls. She says it doesn't stick to the horses, and is soft to lay in. I understand that it's used for an additive in cattle feed. She swears by that, so I got some. My horse started eating it. I pulled most of it out and covered what was left with lots of hay. Have you ever heard of anyone using it before? Please let me know what you use, and is this safe for me to use. Thanks for your replies.

[kitcat0601]

I have never heard of it before. Have you used straw? Thats what most people use. My trainer uses shavings underneath the straw. Straw is a pain to clean, but supposed to be the best.

[bndranch]

I personally use pine shavings up until the last min possible! And a thick layer at that. When I think my mare is getting really close then I will lay down a layer of straw. I used to just use straw but I don't think it offers enough cushion for those little ones and can be slick for first standing up babies. As far as the other stuff I too have never heard of it. Good luck

[Linda]

thank you Brittany for your reply. I just wasn't sure what was the best. I've heard of lots of people using pine shavings. I was wondering if they could breath the small pieces in and cause problems. That soulds like the best way to go tho. again ty.

[Linda]

kitcat0601 said:

I have never heard of it before. Have you used straw? Thats what most people use. My trainer uses shavings underneath the straw. Straw is a pain to clean, but supposed to be the best.

Thats what I used last year. It is a pain to use, but it did work. I'm still so new in the horse world and I want to use what is best for my mares. I just wanted to hear what you all use. I can see how the shavings would be good under the straw. Might absorb some moisture. Thank you kitcat for your reply.

[Golden Girl]

Hey, hope I am not too late with my reply. I use pine sawdust with straw on top at the last min possible too cause I HATE cleaning through the straw with a passion! I use sawdust because it is actually less dusty than shavings, and doesn't draw the moisture from the horses feet It is actually flat little square wood chips that are from green wood. It is soooooo easy to clean & sift through too And when bedded deep, it is very comfortable for horses to lay on. I have used it for many, many years and have never had any problems with any foals or grown horses from it. Just stay away from black walnut shavings/sawdust as it causes laminitus in horses that stand in it!

Goooood Luck

[Linda]

Thank you Laura, no your not to late, in fact I let the girls out today to get some green grass in the pasture. I know it won't be very long before they deliver, but only they know and won't give me any hints. lol I didn't know wood shavings would draw moisture from the hoofs. I love the easy way of doing things, and hate straw with a passion too. Again thank you for your reply. It sounds really good they way you are doing the bedding.