Monday, November 24, 2014

Update to the Bedding Debate

On April 7 of this year I voiced some thoughts about the pros and cons of pellet bedding.
I have found that where I live (southeastern Michigan) there's a small window of opportunity to use the bedding before the cold temps don't allow for effective breakdown of the pellets. (I don't use bedding in the summer months since they don't need a cushion from the ground temperature.) Case in point, about a week ago the temps were mid-to-high 20's and it took longer for the bedding to transition to a fine material.  I thought, OK, it's time to switch to shavings.
It happened that our local Tractor Supply was having a sale so I made sure to swing by to purchase more bags.  I caught the eye of a salesclerk to ask about fine vs flake.  Turns out she's a horse owner and said she puts the pelleted bedding underneath the shavings to allow for better urine soakage (yea, just made that phrase up).  I must have had a quizzical look on my face because she said, yup, uses that method for all eight stalls.

Well, I did not get more bags of pellets because I wasn't convinced it would be a very comfy bed situation.  Those pellets are hard!

Anyone out there tried this personally.  Would be very interested in your opinion.
But for the time being these three donks will be sleeping on shavings.
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7 comments:

  1. AnnNovember 24, 2014 at 10:30 PM

    Hi Janet! I have 12 miniature donkeys. I have seen the pellets at Tractor Supply but haven't bought them. I use the flake pine shavings and my girls and guys seem to be completely satisfied and quite happy.

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    1. Janet @ My Miniature DonkeysNovember 25, 2014 at 7:09 PM

      Ann, thanks so much for your comment. I'm always looking for a "better" way but its hard to know.

      Delete
  2. AnonymousNovember 26, 2014 at 8:08 PM

    Love your new blog! We use pellets but always wet down heavy so they pop as donkeys are wood eaters and can eat the pellets and colic. The pellets explode in their tummys. Safe as long as you wet them down. Donkey Whisperer Farm, LLC Sequim, WA Melody Johnson

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    1. Janet @ My Miniature DonkeysNovember 29, 2014 at 12:30 PM

      Thanks for the info. I had only just read that they're wood eaters; wonder if horses are too (beyond those who crib).

      Delete
  3. UnknownNovember 27, 2014 at 8:53 AM

    Nice blog and full of information.
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    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownJanuary 25, 2021 at 6:10 PM

    I am a new donkey owner and when they go by my horses stall they (the donkeys) always start eating the pine shavings. I am worried they will eat too many if I put them in their area, yet as it is getting colder here in Arizona I would like to give them bedding. So no one has a problem with donkeys eating shavings? Of course, all pine ones, not treated.

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