Bedding question for concrete floor

[General Brown]

My shed/barn has concrete floors and I am expecting kids around the end of Feb. I am wondering if I should put a rubber mat down and then straw or hay, or if the straw/hay would be enough to keep the chill away from the concrete being cold? I currently use a deep bedding of hay, and the does seem to be ok with that. Any help would be appreciated.

[mygoat]

I tend to throw down a layer of pine shavings and then straw over that, to help keep it dry. Other than that, kids will do just fine on the concrete as long as it's covered.

[HappyFarmer]

In the middle of winter the deep litter method would work well as long as it's deep, then you only have to worry about temperature & motherly instinct. Concrete draws energy from animals feet, and a newborn will likely get chilled. Correction a newborn will get chilled without a dry barrier. Rubber mats should do the trick, we've used the straw/waste hay with no problems. As long as there is something between the cold floor & the kids.

We've lost any kids born outside during winter-concrete or not. We don't take the chance anymore as we can't always be there. Now we have a heated 50* barn with concrete, but apply the same concept.

HF

[General Brown]

In case I can't find the mats in time, another guy suggested putting down a layer of sawdust and then the hay. Im just trying to find all my options before kidding time arrives. Thanks again.

[HappyFarmer]

Sawdust can be dusty. IMO your asking for trouble. Shavings would be better though not the best.
HF

[sammyd]

A good deep layer of bedding should do ya just fine.