A question about storing hay

[guineapigluver1]

If you had a bale of hay, how long would it last? And where should you store it?

[alerz]

To my knowledge, hay will last for as long as you can keep it dry. Store it somewhere that is cool and dry to prevent moisture build-up in the hay, which may lead to mold/fungal growth. You don't want to have it enclosed in a bag or box for these reasons. Keep it exposed to the air.

[guineapigluver1]

Okay, thanks! In what form does KM's hay come in?

[Ly&Pigs]

KM's hay comes in a box and inside the box the hay is wrapped in a plastic garbage bag. The size of the box depends on how much you order. The best way to store KM's hay is when it arrives, open the top and then carefully and slowly remove the bag from the box with the hay in it. Then untape the top of the plastic bag if it's taped and then put the box upside down over top of the bag and slide it down over. Once that is accomplished, carefully flip the entire contents over so the top of the box is facing upwards once again and slowly slide the plastic off of the hay. This can be achieved getting all the hay back into the box. But if your hay fluffs up and you can't get it all back into the original box, have another box handy for the remainder of the hay. Then store the box with the top open and it will last months this way if you store it in a cool, dry place.

I stored 100lbs. of KM's hay using this method for a year and at the end of that year the hay was still as green and fresh smelling as the day it arrived.

[Ally has U's]

That's brillant Ly!

[guineapigluver1]

Thanks!! We have plenty of boxes aroun d since we are packing, so I will deffinately have anothe rbox handy. I'll try if I get KM's hay! My mom will probably want to get pellets and hay from KM now!

[newpiggiemommy]

L&P should we cut any holes in the sides of the box to let air flow through? Just a thought!

[Ly&Pigs]

This idea isn't mine. It's been around a long time though.

If the hay is stored in a cool, dry area, it really doesn't make any difference if you poke holes in the box or not. If you are storing it in an area where there may be a bit more moisture then by all means poke a few holes in the box for added measure. I never poked holes in the boxes and the hay stayed fresh for a year.

And please call me Ly.

[newpiggiemommy]

Thanks Ly!