Check with your local cooperative extension office. They may know of sources.

I know what you mean. And yet, I use shavings in the coop for a very small flock of hens! Pine needles work better for the composting but not as good as bedding.

Commercial outfits won't use bedding of any kind in their poultry operations. You may want to go with chicken or turkey litter.

I once got a load of horse manure with shavings. It took a good amount of ammonium sulfate to get it to break down into compost. That was the last time I used a synthetic fertilizer in the compost pile.

My other suggestions: ask at feed stores. Who buys their straw for livestock?

It used to be common for dairies to use straw in loafing sheds. Straw helped keep the cows warm. I don't know if straw still has this use, you might make some phone calls.

In the spring, livestock people will clean around their feeders and clean out their corrals. It would probably be the best time to get the "straight poop."

Steve

An Equine (horse) Veterinarian might be a good information resource. They travel to the farms or acreages where the horses reside and are pretty observent people. They would know who beds the stalls with straw vs. wood shavings. A racetrack could probably supply you with a semi-load per day. Overkill?
Gary

Sorry. Too good of chance for a joke to just pass it up.

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