Is it ok to use pine straw for bedding for mare and foal?

I can't locate any barley or oat straw to use as bedding as some of you answerers have suggested. I was wondering if pine straw would be okay.

Is it ok to use pine straw for bedding for mare and foal?
Pine straw? Like the poster before...I've used pine shavings.





In a pinch...I threw down a bale of grass hay. With the price of hay, normally I wouldn't do that. Silly mare had her baby 2 1/2 weeks early!
Reply:Pine straw?


I've used pine shavings, which are safe if they are correctly manufactured.





Do you mean the product used in gardening, made from long pine needles? In which case, I would be cautious. Many types of pine are toxic if ingested, and the sharp needles may be a little unsafe.
Reply:Some evergreens are poisonous for horses. I've never heard of pine straw? if it's shavings, the answer is still no. You need the straw. It is extremely important to keep that umbilical opening free of dirt! Have you called some other farms, breeders, stables? Try the County Extension office, I'm sure they can give you some farms with straw. Ask at the closest Tractor Supply, heck even Lowes %26amp; Home Depot have straw! Gardeners use it.
Reply:I have foaled several mares. I dont like to use pine shavings because they are dusty and WILL get stuck to the foals' nose (or anything wet for that matter) mind you that the foal will be wet when she arrives. I recommend WHEAT straw, pine straw can be toxic, and uncomfortable to lay on. Have you ever walked on pine straw barefoot?
Reply:I don`t think so. I would wait until the foal is a yearling.