Post by Calaminty Jane on Oct 7, 2009 12:24:21 GMT -5
Continued:
The tightly compressed pellets become fluffy when wet. If they are allowed to dry they can become dusty. Manufacturers recommend the wet spots not be removed, but mixed with the dry material. The daily routine advised is to remove the manure and mix the wet bedding with the dry. Occasionally a bag may need to be added. In time the stall will need to be stripped and new product used. Pelleted bedding should not be used in a foaling stall.
PAPER BEDDING
Shredded paper and cardboard are the most common paper products used for horse bedding. They are very absorbent, but will mat when wet. This results in a poor cushion factor.
No dust is the main benefit of paper bedding. Paper based bedding products are low in allergenic mold spores, so great for horses with allergies.
PEAT MOSS
Peat moss is one of the most absorbent of all the bedding materials available. Dry peat moss will absorb 10 times its weight in moisture, making it heavy to remove when wet.
There is no dust as long as it is kept moist. Horses that are prone to allergies seem to do well when bedded on peat. Mares should not be allowed to foal in peat moss, as it will stick to her and the foal.
Peat moss should be bedded deep. The deeper it is the easier it is to clean the stall. It has a great cushion factor when bedded at 8-12 inches.
STRAW
Straw is the best bedding for a mare about to foal. It provides a good cushion and will not stick.
There can be dust if it was not baled properly. Straw is not as absorbent as some of the other products.
If a horse is not receiving enough good quality digestible fiber (hay) he will eat the straw bedding. As long as it is clean, not moldy, or dusty eating a small amount should not harm the horse. If the horse should eat large amounts of straw, then impaction colic is possible.
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Earn a Bachelor of Science degree in equine studies or certification as a Professional Horse Trainer or Riding Instructor. Start your new career as a riding instructor, horse trainer, or stable manager. All courses are online. Start anytime and work at your own pace. Visit www.horsecoursesonline.com for information.
The tightly compressed pellets become fluffy when wet. If they are allowed to dry they can become dusty. Manufacturers recommend the wet spots not be removed, but mixed with the dry material. The daily routine advised is to remove the manure and mix the wet bedding with the dry. Occasionally a bag may need to be added. In time the stall will need to be stripped and new product used. Pelleted bedding should not be used in a foaling stall.
PAPER BEDDING
Shredded paper and cardboard are the most common paper products used for horse bedding. They are very absorbent, but will mat when wet. This results in a poor cushion factor.
No dust is the main benefit of paper bedding. Paper based bedding products are low in allergenic mold spores, so great for horses with allergies.
PEAT MOSS
Peat moss is one of the most absorbent of all the bedding materials available. Dry peat moss will absorb 10 times its weight in moisture, making it heavy to remove when wet.
There is no dust as long as it is kept moist. Horses that are prone to allergies seem to do well when bedded on peat. Mares should not be allowed to foal in peat moss, as it will stick to her and the foal.
Peat moss should be bedded deep. The deeper it is the easier it is to clean the stall. It has a great cushion factor when bedded at 8-12 inches.
STRAW
Straw is the best bedding for a mare about to foal. It provides a good cushion and will not stick.
There can be dust if it was not baled properly. Straw is not as absorbent as some of the other products.
If a horse is not receiving enough good quality digestible fiber (hay) he will eat the straw bedding. As long as it is clean, not moldy, or dusty eating a small amount should not harm the horse. If the horse should eat large amounts of straw, then impaction colic is possible.
_________________________________
Earn a Bachelor of Science degree in equine studies or certification as a Professional Horse Trainer or Riding Instructor. Start your new career as a riding instructor, horse trainer, or stable manager. All courses are online. Start anytime and work at your own pace. Visit www.horsecoursesonline.com for information.