We all enjoy a comfortable place to sleep when we need it, and although donkeys often rest while standing upright, there are times when a good nap on something soft is in order. All donkeys should be provided with a warm, dry place to lie down out of the elements. One of the most common types of bedding used is straw - either wheat, oat or barley. Wheat straw has a low feed value and is prickly (so not that comfortable) does not drain well and can be dusty. Oat straw has a high feed value and is more palatable than both wheat and barley, but you are then possibly going to deal with weight gain issues should your donkey eat its bed:-) Barley straw is the most preferable of the three as it is comfortable, drains well, the donkeys can eat it without putting on too much weight and it is relatively cheap. If not using straw, shredded wood can be used, however it should be absorbant and made from dust free pallets. Dust extracted shavings from white/soft wood can also be used - it is easier for elderly donkeys to move in and absorbs urine quite easily (but needs to be cleaned daily). If using these shavings they should be placed on a layer of rubber stall mats. These insulate the sleeping area and are easier on the bodies of older donkeys and donkeys with hoof problems.
Terra, enjoying her bed of straw.