[shawnee1020]

Does a anyone use the pellet horse bedding? I'm trying to decide if they are better or not. They are expensive, but does it last longer?
Aslo do you think with minis it would be to dusty.
They are in stalls during the day with fans on and out at night when it is cooler. My mini mare has been getting runny eyes, I'm thinking from the shavings, but not sure. It could of been from the fly sprayer as I did have it lower for the minis, but just raised it up higher.
What are your opinions on the pellet shavings?
Thanks
Just curious if there worth the extra money or not.

[shyxpony]

At my old barn they used pellet bedding and I LOVED it. It is a thousand times easier to clean than shavings. When I have my own barn someday (it WILL happen someday, LOL ) I will definitely be using pellets because I love them It lasts longer and you don't have to use as much, and it's soooo much easier to clean!

[WashingtonBay]

A friend uses them and I'm not impressed. They feel like walking on marbles for starters, combined with mats anyway I think they're slippery.

And I don't think they last longer really... once the horse pees on them, they have to be taken out, just like any other bedding.

I'm a fan of the fine sawdust, spread pretty deep. Absorbs a lot (will pull the water out of waterlogged feet and help them dry out in winter), soft to lay in, not slippery, less waste when you're picking poo out.

[Mutrok]

Love it, love it, LOVE IT!

You can find it less expensively by getting the wood stove pellets (same stuff). Around my area pellets specifically for horses are $8+/bag and I get the wood stove pellets (from the same manufacturer even) for $4 a bag.

Just make sure they are the ones w/out any additives and that you supplier does not use black walnut. Haven't ever run across one that does but I don't know what is available where you are located.

[4kids]

We have a bedding that is made from ground corn cobs. I love it! Its almost like that scoopable cat litter. As long as you are diligent about cleaning up after your horse it lasts forever. I had the same stuff in my stall for monthes. Our horses arent stalled for long periods of time, but I would pick the stalls and stir up any wet spots and we were good to go. If the wet spot got to packed we scooped that area out and added more. Its also very spongy so it was great footing for my lame mare. Its awsome!!!

[shyxpony]

Originally Posted by WashingtonBay

A friend uses them and I'm not impressed. They feel like walking on marbles for starters, combined with mats anyway I think they're slippery.

They get all crushed up into sawdust after not too long.

[WashingtonBay]

Why not just start out with sawdust?

[Mutrok]

Originally Posted by WashingtonBay

A friend uses them and I'm not impressed. They feel like walking on marbles for starters, combined with mats anyway I think they're slippery.

Then they are not using it right. Best way to do it is to put it down and then hose it down to get it to fluff up for the first application. Then more can be added and mixed in without hosing it down when necessary.

And I don't think they last longer really... once the horse pees on them, they have to be taken out, just like any other bedding.

Only if they get totally saturated and turn red. That usually only happens if they are not properly maintained and allowed to pack down. The wet stuff I just pick up and throw against the wall and spread it out to dry. Sometimes it needs to be removed if a horse really pees a lot but it is much more absorbant than shavings IMO.

Also, adding a bag or two of shavings to it can help it from packing. Maintained properly it is awesome.

I'm a fan of the fine sawdust, spread pretty deep. Absorbs a lot, not slippery, less waste when you're picking poo out.

That is exactly what the pellets turn into when done properly

It does require some maintenance but it can be so much more cost effective than other types of bedding.

[Mutrok]

Originally Posted by WashingtonBay

Why not just start out with sawdust?

Sawdust is not as practical for some barns to get or store. Especially if you don't live near a logging area. The bags are easier to store, transport and don't take up as much room/weight as sawdust

[shawnee1020]

Originally Posted by WashingtonBay

A friend uses them and I'm not impressed. They feel like walking on marbles for starters, combined with mats anyway I think they're slippery.

And I don't think they last longer really... once the horse pees on them, they have to be taken out, just like any other bedding.

I'm a fan of the fine sawdust, spread pretty deep. Absorbs a lot (will pull the water out of waterlogged feet and help them dry out in winter), soft to lay in, not slippery, less waste when you're picking poo out.

I filled my bags with water first then let it soak, So it is all fluffy.
I didn't think you just spread them. I don't think I would like it to much in it's original form. The problem for me is now, if I don't keep it dampened, then it is dusty in there.