Alternative to Carefresh

[sarahthegemini]

I love Carefresh, it’s nice and soft for bunny feet and absorbs urine well. However, it’s getting very costly and so I’m looking for an alternative. Thoughts on straw pellets? I know straw in its loose form isn’t particularly absorbant but what about when it’s pelleted? 

Here’s the listing: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/152279464071?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&var=451477006930&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[tobyluv]

One of the litters that I use is Oxbow Eco Straw. It is absorbent. Like other pellets I have used (pine or aspen) it breaks down into a fine, wet sawdust like consistency, which is easy to scoop out. The Oxbow brand is not very cheap, though. I do sprinkle a bit of Carefresh Naturals on top of the pellets, to make a softer surface. The straw pellets themselves, at least the Oxbow ones, don’t have any scent, unlike pine or aspen pellets which can have a strong wood scent. The most economical litter is the wood stove pellets (plain, with no accelerants) or the horse stall pellets. They come in large bags (40 pounds) for just a few dollars in the US.

[sarahthegemini]

Posted By tobyluv on 11/30/2016 6:19 AM

One of the litters that I use is Oxbow Eco Straw. It is absorbent. Like other pellets I have used (pine or aspen) it breaks down into a fine, wet sawdust like consistency, which is easy to scoop out. The Oxbow brand is not very cheap, though. I do sprinkle a bit of Carefresh Naturals on top of the pellets, to make a softer surface. The straw pellets themselves, at least the Oxbow ones, don’t have any scent, unlike pine or aspen pellets which can have a strong wood scent. The most economical litter is the wood stove pellets (plain, with no accelerants) or the horse stall pellets. They come in large bags (40 pounds) for just a few dollars in the US.

I’ve tried to find wood stove pellets but I can’t seem to locate any! I’m in the UK. Also, if the pellets break down into a sawdust like product, is this safe for bunnies in regards to their respiratory systems?

[Azerane]

Try looking in feed/fodder stores for wood horse stall pellets, they’re they same thing as wood stove pellets. Stores here don’t sell wood stove pellets but feed stores have the horse stall pellets. I’ve found that one $15, 15kg bag lasts me about 5 weeks changing one litter tray for my pair, and also using it for my parrots cage tray.

[sarahthegemini]

Posted By Azerane on 11/30/2016 12:02 PM

Try looking in feed/fodder stores for wood horse stall pellets, they’re they same thing as wood stove pellets. Stores here don’t sell wood stove pellets but feed stores have the horse stall pellets. I’ve found that one $15, 15kg bag lasts me about 5 weeks changing one litter tray for my pair, and also using it for my parrots cage tray.

This sort of thing? https://www.romsleycountrystore.co.uk/product/5905/BAGGED-WOOD-PELLETS-FOR-HEATING

[tobyluv]

Posted By sarahthegemini on 11/30/2016 12:17 PM

Posted By Azerane on 11/30/2016 12:02 PM

Try looking in feed/fodder stores for wood horse stall pellets, they’re they same thing as wood stove pellets. Stores here don’t sell wood stove pellets but feed stores have the horse stall pellets. I’ve found that one $15, 15kg bag lasts me about 5 weeks changing one litter tray for my pair, and also using it for my parrots cage tray.

This sort of thing? https://www.romsleycountrystore.co.uk/product/5905/BAGGED-WOOD-PELLETS-FOR-HEATING

Those aren’t as cheap as the big 40 pound bags sold in the US, but they are still a good price.  If the store wasn’t near to you, then you would have to pay shipping costs, which would make them not as economical.  You would have to contact them (or go in person) and make sure that they are plain, with no accellerants.  When I enlarged the image, it was too blurry to read the info on the bag.  I see that they have  horse supplies, but all of the bedding was shavings, not horse stall pellets. If you have any horse supply or feed stores near you, they would probably have the horse stall pellets.

There is no danger from the sawdust like consistency of the wet straw or wood pellets.  When they break down after getting wet, it’s more of a consistency of fine, wet soil, but it’s totally safe. 

[sarahthegemini]

Posted By tobyluv on 11/30/2016 1:00 PM

Posted By sarahthegemini on 11/30/2016 12:17 PM

Posted By Azerane on 11/30/2016 12:02 PM

Try looking in feed/fodder stores for wood horse stall pellets, they’re they same thing as wood stove pellets. Stores here don’t sell wood stove pellets but feed stores have the horse stall pellets. I’ve found that one $15, 15kg bag lasts me about 5 weeks changing one litter tray for my pair, and also using it for my parrots cage tray.

This sort of thing? https://www.romsleycountrystore.co.uk/product/5905/BAGGED-WOOD-PELLETS-FOR-HEATING

Those aren’t as cheap as the big 40 pound bags sold in the US, but they are still a good price.  If the store wasn’t near to you, then you would have to pay shipping costs, which would make them not as economical.  You would have to contact them (or go in person) and make sure that they are plain, with no accellerants.  When I enlarged the image, it was too blurry to read the info on the bag.  I see that they have  horse supplies, but all of the bedding was shavings, not horse stall pellets. If you have any horse supply or feed stores near you, they would probably have the horse stall pellets.

There is no danger from the sawdust like consistency of the wet straw or wood pellets.  When they break down after getting wet, it’s more of a consistency of fine, wet soil, but it’s totally safe. 

That’s good to know, thanks Tobyluv. I did realise after I posted that the shipping hacks the price up quite significantly so I’m trying to find horse supply stores more locally. Wish me luck!

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