Wood shavings 92 L (3.25 cu ft) - Pelletier Northwood

Pelletier Northwood wood shavings are a compressed animal bedding used in horse stalls, cattle barns, chicken coops, rabbit hutches, and small animal cages. The 3.25 cubic foot (92 L) bag expands significantly once opened, providing a thick, cushioned layer that absorbs moisture and helps control ammonia odours. For over 30 years, Pelletier Northwood has produced quality bedding trusted by equestrians, farmers, and pet owners across Quebec and the northeastern United States. The shavings come packaged in durable plastic, making them easy to store outdoors without moisture damage before use.

One 3.25 cubic foot bag of Pelletier Northwood shavings covers approximately 2.5 to 3 m² at a comfortable 8–10 cm depth, which is typical for a horse stall partial refresh. For a full 3 m × 3 m horse stall bedded from scratch to a 15 cm depth, plan on 4 to 5 bags initially, then 1–2 bags per week for top-ups depending on how much your horse soils the bedding. For poultry, one bag provides a generous layer for a coop housing 10–15 chickens. Smaller animals like rabbits and guinea pigs require much less—a single bag can last several weeks of cage changes for one or two animals.

Start with a clean, dry stall floor. Spread 4–5 bags of shavings evenly to create a layer of approximately 15 cm across the entire floor, banking the bedding slightly higher along the walls where horses tend to urinate. Daily maintenance involves removing visible manure and wet spots with a shavings fork, then fluffing and levelling the remaining bedding. Add 1–2 fresh bags per week to replace what you’ve removed. Every 4–6 weeks, strip the stall completely, allow the floor to dry, and start fresh. In Quebec’s humid summer months, good ventilation in the barn helps the shavings stay drier longer and reduces ammonia buildup between full cleanouts.

Yes, wood shavings are one of the most popular bedding choices for chicken coops. Spread a layer of 8–10 cm of shavings on the coop floor and in nesting boxes for cushioning and moisture absorption. Shavings work well with the deep litter method—simply add fresh shavings on top every week or two and turn the bedding periodically to encourage composting. The deep litter generates gentle warmth through microbial activity, which is a real advantage during Quebec’s cold winters. Replace the entire litter every 3–4 months or sooner if you notice persistent moisture or ammonia smell. The used shavings make excellent garden compost once aged for several months.

Ammonia smell in bedding comes from urine breaking down in a warm, moist environment. The most effective approach is a combination of strategies:

• Adequate depth—maintain at least 10–15 cm of shavings so urine is absorbed before reaching the floor
• Spot-clean daily—remove wet patches promptly rather than letting them saturate surrounding bedding
• Good ventilation—ensure airflow at floor level to dry the surface layer; even a small gap under doors helps
• Hydrated lime—sprinkle a thin layer on the floor before adding fresh shavings to neutralize acids and inhibit bacterial growth

F.G. Edwards carries hydrated lime and bedding conditioners alongside the Pelletier Northwood shavings to help you maintain a fresher, healthier environment for your animals.

Pelletier Northwood shavings come in durable plastic packaging that protects against moisture, making them easier to store than loose bales. Unopened bags can be stored outdoors on a pallet or raised surface to keep them off wet ground. For best results, cover the stack with a tarp if storing outside for extended periods, especially during Quebec’s spring thaw and fall rain seasons. Once opened, use the entire bag within one application—partially opened bags left exposed will absorb ambient humidity and lose their absorbency. In a barn, store bags in a dry area away from direct contact with manure and urine to prevent contamination. Most farms keep 10–20 bags on hand to avoid frequent resupply trips.

Each bedding type has distinct strengths for different situations:

• Wood shavings (like Pelletier Northwood) offer the best combination of cushioning, absorbency, and ease of mucking—they are the most popular choice for horse stalls and general livestock
• Wood pellets (like Rip-o-Bec) are extremely absorbent once they break down with moisture, producing less waste volume, but provide less initial cushion and require wetting to activate
• Straw (like FarmStraw) is economical and provides good insulation for cattle, but it is less absorbent than wood products and harder to muck cleanly

Many horse owners use shavings as their primary bedding, while cattle operations often prefer straw for cost reasons. F.G. Edwards stocks all three options so you can choose the best fit for your animals and management style.

F.G. Edwards stocks Pelletier Northwood wood shavings year-round at both locations in West Brome and Bedford. As a high-volume farm supply retailer since 1928, we keep a consistent supply on hand so you never have to worry about running out mid-season. The 3.25 cubic foot bags are easy to load and transport in a truck or trailer. For large orders, call ahead to confirm availability or to arrange pallet quantities. We also carry complementary bedding products including wood pellet bedding, straw, hydrated lime, and bedding conditioners, so you can pick up everything you need for your barn in a single trip.