Hemp Litter for Small and Large Animals

Ingredients: 100% hemp hurds (woody core of hemp stalk)

What are hemp hurds:

Hemp hurds are the inner woody part of the hemp stalk, separated from the outer fiber during processing. They constitute approximately 60-70% of the stalk's weight. Their porous and hollow cellular structure gives them unique properties ideal for litter: very high absorbency, lightness, breathability.

Processing:

1. Cultivation of certified hemp varieties
2. Harvesting of mature stalks
3. Mechanical separation of inner fiber (for ropes/fabrics) from outer hurds
4. Shredding hurds into flakes/chips of optimal size for litter
5. Sieving to remove residual dust
6. Packaging without additives

Physical characteristics:

Appearance: Irregular flakes/chips of light beige/cream color, soft but structured woody texture

Flake size: Variable 5-20mm length, light and easy to handle

Dust: Practically absent (<2-3%) thanks to accurate sieving. Much lower than wood chips/sawdust (10-15% dust) or crumbling pellets.

Odor: Neutral, slightly vegetative. No chemical odor (like some treated pellets) or resinous odor (like pine/fir chips).

Specific weight: Very light (low density), thus large volumes with low weight.

Purity: No chemical additives, artificial fragrances, colorants, preservatives, binders. Only natural hemp hurds.

Product classification: Natural plant-based litter for pets and livestock

Absorbency: 5 times its own weight in liquids (500% absorbency)

Absorbency comparison:

• Hemp hurds: 5x (500%)
• Wood shavings: 2-3x (200-300%)
• Sawdust: 2-2.5x (200-250%)
• Wood pellets: 3-3.5x (300-350%)
• Recycled paper: 2x (200%)
• Coconut: 3-4x (300-400%)

Available formats:

• 1kg bag - ideal for small animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, cats), first test
• 3kg bag - small animal supply or single horse stall change

Suitable for:

Small animals:

• Pet/farm rabbits
• Guinea pigs
• Hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats
• Chinchillas
• Cats (litter box)
• Ferrets
• Chicks, hens, chickens, poultry
• Birds (cage bottom)
• Reptiles (some species)

Large animals:

• Horses (stalls, paddocks)
• Donkeys, mules
• Cattle (calf litter)
• Goats, sheep

Storage: 12-24 months in a dry place, away from humidity. Protect from rain. Once wet, hemp hurds absorb and do not release, so dry storage is essential.

Dust: <2-3% (virtually zero dust). Tested to be particularly important for:

• Animals with respiratory problems
• Allergic/asthmatic owners
• Poorly ventilated enclosed spaces

Natural antiseptic properties: Hemp contains substances that inhibit bacterial growth, fungi (molds), parasites. Reduces flies, insects, mites, woodworm.

Thermoregulation: Porous hollow structure traps air, creating thermal insulation. The litter is naturally:

• Warm in winter (insulating, retains body heat)
• Cool in summer (breathable, dissipates excess heat)

Comfort: Soft yet structured, does not compact excessively. Animals can dig, nest, move comfortably. Does not irritate paws/pads.

Odor control: Quickly absorbs liquids (urine), trapping them in its porous structure. Absorbs ammonia (the main cause of unpleasant urine odor), drastically reducing odors. Cages/stalls remain odor-free much longer than with other litters.

No toxicity detected for animals or humans

IMPORTANT SHIPPING: Free shipping not valid due to weight/volume. Costs calculated at checkout.

REQUIRED QUANTITY AND CHANGE FREQUENCY:

SMALL ANIMALS (cages, enclosures, litter boxes)

Rabbits (cage 80×50cm):

• Initial layer: 3-5 cm high (approx. 1-1.5 kg litter)
• Full change frequency: Once a week (single rabbit use)
• Daily maintenance: Remove very wet/dirty areas, add fresh litter
• Monthly consumption: 4-6 kg

Hamsters, gerbils:

• Layer: 2-4 cm
• Change: Every 5-7 days
• Monthly consumption: 1-3 kg (varies depending on animal/cage size)

Cats (litter box 50×40cm):

• Layer: 5-7 cm (cats prefer deep litter for digging)
• Full change: Every 7-10 days
• Daily cleaning: Remove solid waste (scoop), mix to distribute moisture
• Monthly consumption: 3-5 kg per cat

Chicks, chickens (coops, cages):

• Layer: 5-10 cm
• Change: Every 2-4 weeks (depends on number of animals, ventilation)
• Consumption: Variable, large coops require 10-20 kg+

LARGE ANIMALS

Horses (3×3m stable):

• Initial layer: 10-15 cm high (approx. 15-25 kg hemp bedding)
• Full change frequency: Every 7-14 days (varies depending on time horse spends in stable)
• Daily cleaning: Remove solid waste, concentrated very wet areas
• Supplementation: Add 2-3 kg fresh litter every 2-3 days
• Monthly consumption: 40-80 kg per stable

Calves, goats, sheep:

• Similar to horses, adapt based on stable/enclosure size

METHOD OF USE:

Cage/stable preparation:

1. Thoroughly clean the bottom (remove old litter if present)
2. Completely dry the surface
3. Distribute hemp bedding evenly, creating the desired layer
4. Level with a rake/hand

Daily maintenance:

• Remove solid waste with a scoop/fork
• Identify very wet areas (usually corners preferred by the animal)
• Remove wet areas if possible, or mix with dry parts
• Add fresh litter where needed

Full change:

• Remove all used litter (see disposal)
• Clean cage/stable bottom with water (possibly natural white vinegar disinfectant)
• Completely dry
• Apply fresh litter as per initial preparation

Saving tip: Hemp bedding absorbs so much that a full change is needed LESS frequently compared to other litters.

ECOLOGICAL DISPOSAL AND REUSE:

COMPOSTING (best solution)

Used litter is excellent for home or agricultural compost:

Why:

• 100% biodegradable
• Low ammoniacal nitrogen content (does not alter soil balance)
• Porous structure promotes compost aeration
• Enriches compost with organic carbon

How:

1. Collect used litter
2. Add to garden compost pile, mixing with plant waste
3. Composting 3-6 months → fertile humus for vegetable garden/garden

Transfer to farmers: Used hemp bedding is high-quality organic-mineral fertilizer transferable to organic/conventional farmers.

WASTE DISPOSAL (if composting is not possible)

Important regulatory difference:

Hemp bedding: Classified as NOT special waste, disposable as organic/green without the need for authorized companies. Zero disposal costs.

Wood shavings/sawdust/pellets, coconut: Classified as non-hazardous special waste (high ammoniacal nitrogen), requires disposal by authorized companies for a fee. High costs for professional farms.

Domestic disposal for small animals: Organic/undifferentiated bag (check municipal regulations). Biodegrades completely.

ANIMAL-SPECIFIC TIPS:

Rabbits: Prefer deep litter for digging/nesting. The corner of the cage usually becomes their preferred "toilet" → concentrate extra litter there.

Cats: Many cats accept hemp bedding (similar texture to plant-based litters). Gradual introduction: mix 50% hemp bedding with regular litter for the first few days, gradually increase.

Horses: Distribute litter, concentrating a larger quantity in areas where the horse usually urinates (often the same corner). Removing feces daily = litter lasts much longer.

Chickens/poultry: Hemp bedding is excellent for preventing respiratory problems common in coops (dust from shavings/sawdust causes problems). Change regularly for egg hygiene.

LITTER STORAGE:

• Store bags in a covered, dry place
• Protect from rain (wet hemp bedding absorbs, becomes unusable)
• Do not leave bags open (environmental humidity can enter)
• Once bag is opened: reseal tightly or transfer to an airtight container

TRANSITION FROM OTHER LITTER:

If animal is used to shavings/pellets/sawdust:

• Gradual change over 7-10 days
• Mix 25% hemp bedding with 75% old litter
• Progressively increase the proportion of hemp bedding
• Animals adapt quickly (similar texture, pleasant neutral odor)

BENEFICI SALUTE RESPIRATORIA

✓ Zero polvere, zero problemi respiratori - Praticamente priva polvere (<2-3%) vs trucioli/segatura (10-15%). Previene problemi respiratori animali (riniti, asma, polmoniti) e proprietari allergici/asmatici

✓ Assorbe ammoniaca - Riduce concentrazione ammoniaca gassosa (rilasciata da urina) che irrita vie respiratorie, causa problemi polmonari cronici, riduce immunità. Particolarmente critico per cavalli, conigli, pollame

✓ Ambiente sano e ossigenato - Assenza polveri e riduzione ammoniaca = aria pulita in stalle, pollai, gabbie. Animali respirano meglio, meno malattie, meno cure veterinarie

BENEFICI IGIENE E PULIZIA

✓ Controllo odori eccezionale - Assorbenza 5x peso + capacità intrappolare ammoniaca = gabbie/box praticamente inodori. Casa più piacevole, visite ospiti senza imbarazzo odori

✓ Gabbie/box asciutti più a lungo - Altissima assorbenza mantiene superficie asciutta. Zampe/zoccoli asciutti = meno dermatiti, meno marciume forchetta (cavalli), meno pododermatiti (conigli)

✓ Meno cambi necessari - Dura 2x vs trucioli legno normali. Risparmio tempo pulizia, risparmio materiale, meno fatica

✓ Pulizia semplificata - Leggera, maneggevole, non si compatta eccessivamente. Rimozione feci facile con paletta/forcone. Non si attacca a pelo animali come lettiere polverose

BENEFICI COMFORT ANIMALE

✓ Morbida e confortevole - Texture naturale non irrita zampe, cuscinetti, zoccoli. Animali riposano meglio, meno stress articolare

✓ Caldo inverno, fresco estate - Isolamento termico naturale da struttura porosa cava. Animali termoregolano meglio, meno stress termico, meno consumi energetici (riscaldamento/raffrescamento)

✓ Possibilità scavare/nidificare - Struttura non compatta permette comportamenti naturali (conigli scavano, galline raspano, gatti seppelliscono). Arricchimento comportamentale = animali più felici

✓ Non tossica, sicura se ingerita - Animali che rosicchiano/ingeriscono piccole quantità lettiera (conigli, roditori) non rischiano: canapulo 100% naturale, non tossico, digeribile in piccole quantità. A differenza pellet legno trattati chimicamente o lettiere profumate

BENEFICI ANTISETTICI E ANTIPARASSITARI

✓ Proprietà antimicrobiche naturali - Canapa contiene sostanze che inibiscono crescita batteri patogeni, riducendo infezioni, odori da decomposizione batterica

✓ Antifungina (antimicotica) - Previene muffe in ambienti umidi (pollai, stalle poco ventilate). Meno micosi, dermatofitosi (tigna)

✓ Repellente insetti naturale - Scoraggia mosche, moscerini, acari, tarlo legno. Meno infestazioni, meno fastidio per animali, meno malattie trasmesse da insetti

BENEFICI AMBIENTALI E SOSTENIBILITÀ

✓ 100% biodegradabile e compostabile - Diventa compost fertile per orto/giardino in 3-6 mesi. Zero rifiuti in discarica, economia circolare

✓ Non è rifiuto speciale - A differenza trucioli/segatura legno (rifiuti speciali da smaltire a pagamento), canapulo smaltibile gratuitamente come organico. Risparmio costi allevamenti professionali significativo

✓ Materia prima rinnovabile - Canapa cresce in 120 giorni, risorsa velocemente rinnovabile vs legno (decenni). Coltivazione canapa migliora suolo, zero pesticidi

✓ Concime agricolo prezioso - Lettiera usata cedibile ad agricoltori come concime organico qualità. Alcuni allevatori vendono/barattano lettiera usata = reddito aggiuntivo

BENEFICI ECONOMICI

✓ Dura il doppio vs trucioli legno - Cambio completo ogni 10-14 giorni vs 5-7 giorni = metà consumi annui

✓ Meno malattie = meno cure veterinarie - Ambiente sano, respirazione ottimale, igiene superiore = animali più sani, meno visite veterinario, risparmio farmaci

✓ Smaltimento gratuito - Compostaggio domestico o cessione agricoltori vs costi smaltimento rifiuti speciali (trucioli legno industriali)

✓ Scorta leggera, stoccaggio facile - 1kg = 15-20 litri. Leggera da trasportare, occupa poco spazio stoccaggio vs pellet/trucioli (più densi pesanti)

AVAILABLE SIZES:

1KG BAG

Ideal for:

• Small animals: 1-2 rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils
• Cats (litter box for a single cat)
• Birds (cage bottoms)
• First product test
• Single small cage change

Advantages:

• Minimum investment for testing
• Practical for transport/storage
• Ideal for small animals with low consumption

3KG BAG

Ideal for:

• Multiple rabbits/guinea pigs
• Monthly supply for small animals
• Single horse stall change
• Small to medium chicken coop
• Best value for money

Advantages:

• Cost savings - Lower cost per kg
• Adequate supply for regular use
• Fewer orders/shipments

LARGER QUANTITIES (farms, stables, poultry farms):

For large quantities (>10kg, 50kg, 100kg+, pallets):

Contact us specifying:

• Type and number of animals
• Estimated monthly consumption
• Desired delivery frequency

We offer dedicated B2B conditions with progressive wholesale prices based on volume.

B2B CONDITIONS (farms, stables, retailers):

CanaPuglia offers dedicated conditions for:

Professional users:

• Rabbit, guinea pig farms (professional/large hobbyist)
• Stables, riding schools, equestrian boarding facilities
• Poultry farms, avicultural farms
• Catteries, kennels, animal shelters
• Educational farms, agritourism with animals
• Cattle farms (calf bedding)

Retailers:

• Pet stores, pet shops
• Agricultural supply stores, consortia
• Saddleries with horse care products
• Pet sector e-commerce

B2B Advantages:
✓ Progressive wholesale prices for volumes
✓ Scheduled deliveries (weekly, monthly)
✓ Pallet options (transport savings)
✓ Test samples
✓ Technical support

B2B Quote: company name, activity, animals (number/type), estimated monthly consumption. Response within 24-48h.

SHIPPING:

IMPORTANT: Free shipping is not valid for this weight/volume. Costs calculated at checkout.

How is hemp bedding used? Is it different from wood shavings?

Identical use to wood shavings: spread a 3-10cm layer (variable by animal/cage size) on a clean bottom, change completely every 7-14 days, daily cleaning by removing solid waste. Main difference: hemp absorbs much more so it lasts twice as long and cages remain dry/odorless for longer. Similar handling (light, not compact), zero dust vs dusty shavings.

Is it good for my cat? Will they accept the change?

Yes, many cats accept hemp. Texture similar to plant-based/natural clumping litters, neutral odor. Gradual introduction is recommended: mix 50% hemp + 50% usual litter for the first 3-5 days, then gradually increase hemp to 100% over 1-2 weeks. Advantage: superior odor control, zero dust (cats suffer respiratory problems from dust).

How long does it last compared to normal litters (shavings, pellets)?

Approximately twice as long. Absorbency 5x weight vs 2-3x shavings = litter stays dry and functional much longer. Complete change typically every 10-14 days with hemp vs 5-7 days with wood shavings. Material savings ~50% annually, significant cleaning time savings. For horses: hemp excels particularly, stalls remain dry for 2 weeks with daily waste removal.

Is it really dust-free? I have allergies/asthma.**

Yes, practically zero dust (<2-3% vs 10-15% shavings/sawdust). CanaPuglia's sieving process removes residual dust. Ideal for allergy/asthma sufferers (owners and animals). Wood shavings/sawdust release fine dust that irritates respiratory tracts, causes asthma attacks, allergies. Hemp does not present this problem. Many owners with allergies report symptom improvement after switching to hemp.

How is it disposed of? Can I compost it?

Yes, composting is the best solution. Used litter is 100% biodegradable, excellent for home/agricultural compost. Add to garden compost pile mixing with green waste, composting for 3-6 months = fertile humus for the vegetable garden. Alternative: give to farmers as organic fertilizer (many are interested, ask local businesses). It is not special waste so it can also be disposed of in organic/undifferentiated waste without costs (check municipal regulations). Huge advantage vs wood shavings/pellets which are special waste requiring paid disposal through authorized companies.

Is it good for horses? How much is needed for a stall?

Excellent for horses, one of the best equine litters. Standard 3×3m stall: 10-15cm layer = approximately 15-25kg initial hemp. Daily cleaning by removing waste + very wet areas, replenishment of 2-3kg every 2-3 days. Complete change every 10-14 days. Monthly consumption: 40-80kg per stall (varies depending on horse's stay time). Equine advantages: absorbs ammonia (common equine respiratory problems), dry hooves (less thrush), fewer flies (repellent properties), comfortable (horses rest better), economical disposal (compostable vs industrial shavings disposal costs).

Can I use it for chicks, chickens, poultry?

Yes, excellent for poultry. Zero dust is essential: poultry is very sensitive to respiratory problems from dust (a primary cause of poultry diseases/mortality). Hemp keeps poultry houses dry (prevents bumblefoot = pododermatitis), controls ammonia odors (respiratory problems), antifungal properties (prevents aspergillosis = lethal fungal infection in poultry). Layer 5-10cm, change every 2-4 weeks (depends on number of animals). Used litter is excellent for compost/garden.

Can my rabbit eat it without problems?

Small quantities accidentally ingested (while eating hay/vegetables nearby) are safe: hemp is 100% natural, non-toxic, digestible in small quantities. However, it is not food - it has no nutritional value. If the animal eats litter compulsively = a sign of a problem (boredom, fiber deficiency in diet, stress). Consult a vet. Hemp is much safer vs chemically scented litters or treated wood pellets (toxic if ingested).

Does it attract insects/pests? I have fly problems in summer.

No, on the contrary: hemp has natural repellent properties for insects. It discourages flies, gnats, mites, woodworm. Many breeders report a drastic reduction in flies after switching to hemp (vs wood shavings that attract flies). Combination of moisture control + natural repellent properties = unfavorable environment for insects. Huge advantage for stables/poultry houses in summer.

Does it cost more than normal litter? Is it worth it?

Price per kg can be slightly higher vs cheap wood shavings, but cost of use is lower because: it lasts twice as long (less frequent changes = half annual consumption), free disposal vs industrial shavings costs (special waste), healthier animals = less vet visits. Annual calculation: hemp is cheaper or equivalent considering all factors. Plus: animal quality of life, respiratory health, comfort → invaluable.

Can I mix hemp with other litter?

Yes, it works great in a mix. Examples: 50% hemp + 50% shavings = improves absorbency/durability of cheap shavings, reduces dust. 70% hemp + 30% pellets = balance of absorbency/costs. Mixing is also useful for gradual transition from old litter to hemp (animals get used to it). Do not mix with chemically scented litters (cancels natural benefits of hemp).

I am a breeder/stable: do you offer industrial supplies?

Yes, dedicated B2B conditions for professional farms (rabbits, poultry, equine, bovine), stables, boarding facilities, animal shelters, retailers. Advantages: progressive wholesale prices by volume, scheduled deliveries, pallets, technical support. B2B quote: company name, animals (type/number), monthly consumption. Response within 24-48h. We supply farms from small hobbyists to large professionals.