i read somewhere to use whole kernel cracked corn - like you find at a feed store. you can crack it up into smaller pieces. has anyone ever used this in a hot/cold pack instead of rice?

I think you can buy cracked corn for chickens. This will save you some problems with vacuum cleaners if it's too cold to crack it outside!!!

In googling, many people use cracked corn as filler. I also found one site that said to use flax seed from the seed and feed store.

I use flax seed. It is much 'softer', as in not hard and pointy, like corn. Much easier on a migrained headache.

I have used cracked corn a lot in the hot packs I make. I use heavy ticking fabric. I have sev. sizes that I use. Usually 3 mins. in the microwave is all it takes for a lg one (about 5X8 inch). Made sev. small sz for hand warmers to stick in your pocket.

i know a lady who uses corn and beans (not together but one at a time) i guess they (work) ok...but when heated in the microwave they sure stink up the house. i hated the smell of the one she gave me as a gift that had beans in it...and the corn ones, well, if you love the house smelling like popped corn....personally i will stick to the rice. much more subtle odor, and you can add lavender making it even better.

If you live in an area where you get mice in the late fall/winter be careful with these. Field mice LOVE corn.

I use regular POPCORN - I've made a bunch of pocketwarmers using 6" squares of old denim jeans. Right sides together sew around 3 edges (2 long - 1 short), turn right side out, fill with POPCORN, turn down top edge and sew closed on machine.

Heat for 1 minute (or a little more - you have to test your microwave).

Easy to find - pretty inexpensive - smells good when heated - great gifts for those who work in the cold.

Since we grow grain on our farm, I use wheat, barley or oats. The wheat kernels are denser so hold the heat longer and give off a slightly porridge smell when heated. I store hot packs not being used in a small rubbermaid container just to discourage any mouse guests and they have not chewed through any of the plastic. I also store a bucket of wheat in an old empty large popcron can for future hotpacks.

I use flax seed and sometimes put a very small amount of dried lavender (from my sister's garden).