The American Beagler Forum

I was just wondering what you guys prefer to use to keep the hounds warm during the winter months? I currently have cedar chips in my above ground run.Thanks

Using cedar chips right now in Seneca insulated houses but I'd much
perfer and recommend straw . I would stay away from hay all together .

Goodluck ,

I use cedar chips in summer and straw in the cold winters months of michigan.

straw here. much better insulator than cedar chips. i also buddy up my dogs during the cold months... if they get along ok.

Straw is a very good insulator

Straw.....straw and more straw. Hollow straws full of air that heats and holds the heat. I don't touch hay because it's poor insulating, molds and is dusty. I like cedar chips in the summer because it smells good and something about it seems to keeps bugs away. Not sure why but it does. I also feed my hounds hot meals when it's real cold and buddy them up. I just mixed hot water with their dry food and let it soak. I then mixed in six pounds of boiled and boned, chicken thighs. The extra protein, fat and flavor keeps them warm and looking good. I think they almost get happy when the cold hits because they know dad starts cooking for them. Oh, I forgot to mention there are five beagles and one basset at my dinner table.LOL!

NYH

Straw !!! Had A bad exprence with cedar chips. Dog got a piece in his gum caused a absecion had to have him operated on to remove it. Had a knott as big as a mans fist on his jaw. All because of one little cedar chip.

I use straw in the winter and try to keep 2 dogs together on the coldest nights.

lifehog , very good question w/ good timing ( 5 deg here at daylight)
wood chips and straw are only bedding,which only insulates the floor.and,the floor does need to be insulated but, i insulate the walls and more importantly the ceiling(roof) of my houses.i install a plywood ceiling, then a layer of foam insulation,next an air space lastly the roof.but,i believe this type of insulating is even more beneficial in the heat of the summer.(when our hounds seem to suffer the most from our climate)
i prefer wood chips for 3 reasons
1. packs down less than straw
2.it works well w/ flea & tick dust added to it
3.is more moisture absorbent (especially w/ pups)
there nothing wrong with using straw though.houndsmen have used it for centuries.
i believe the most important cold weather precaution we can do is keeping the cold wind off our dogs.
hope this helps
ray