How do you build your bedding at livestock shows? Up for trying something new.

Due to having a heifer recovering from either a stone bruise, abscess, unknown problem, and having to be at OYE for three days before showing, I would love to read how others prepare their bedding for their calves at shows. I used the pellets last year and wet them down then put shavings over them last year and it seemed work well but I am willing to try something different this year.

Put the shavings down first. Wet and pack them well. Then put the pellets on top. It's lots cleaner that way. With an injured animal I would make sure my beds are at least a foot deep.

I was reading some info on this site while doing some searching and noticed that most said to do what you mentioned and put the pellets down last. Thanks for the reply.

After we get them wet. we use a roller (pic attached)to pack them in good.
12" minimum and keep freshening them up often.
Good luck!

I have seen a couple people use the roller posted above before and it definitely seemed to pack the bedding well.

Shavings first and wet them down and pack them in good.  Then put pellets on top and wet them and pack them in good. Don't be afraid of the water.  Put plenty of water on them.  I try to get at least 12 inches of bedding with a slope from front to back.  I then place perforated rubber mates at the front.

BuddyG said:

Shavings first and wet them down and pack them in good.  Then put pellets on top and wet them and pack them in good. Don't be afraid of the water.  Put plenty of water on them.  I try to get at least 12 inches of bedding with a slope from front to back.  I then place perforated rubber mates at the front.

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About how much slope? Or do you have it mostly level and then add the rubber mats to raise the front up?

About 4-5 inches. I just don't want them standing with their rear end higher than their front end and forcing their head into the head tie. Doesn't sound like much but it makes a difference in the way they stand for you.

BuddyG said:

About 4-5 inches. I just don't want them standing with their rear end higher than their front end and forcing their head into the head tie. Doesn't sound like much but it makes a difference in the way they stand for you.

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Very interesting... I'm definitely going to give that a shot this year!