Storage: Question about hay storage.

[Jenwaite]

I have been wondering about the best way to store hay. Right now I have it in a 5 gallon bucket with a lid. Should I keep it there or does it need to be in a container that is open to the air? I live in southern Louisiana and it can get a bit humid, does that affect how they hay should be stored?

[azalea]

I think most folks 'round these parts would suggest storage in a card board box open to the air. Inside the house.

Most folks don't live along the Gulf Coast where moss grows on the fungus that grows on the mold. <insert smile and wink> I keep my cavy hay indoors in the climate control because I have had the hay for the horse and cattle get moldy out in the pole shed.

I just purchased a rather large box of hay and I pull a few pounds out at a time, fluff it up a bit and store in a large brown paper bag next to B&P's happy homestead. (I don't like to call their home a "cage")

I hope you get lots of suggestions from which to pick and choose what will work best for you. And welcome to the neighborhood!

[Jenwaite]

I am keeping the hay indoors should I have it open to the air or does it matter?

[Matt Ceja]

Originally Posted by Jenwaite

I am keeping the hay indoors should I have it open to the air or does it matter?

Always keep hay open to air. I grew up growing timothy hay on a cattle ranch. After it is cut it is left to dry in a field. Then bundled up after it dries. After that it is placed in a location where it can sit out for some time (like all year) before being sold or used. Which means it already has mold and other things in it. Animals have lived in it and etc... (which is why I always wear gloves handling it)

By the time you take it home molds and other things are already probably present. If you are going to store hay it is best to do so inside your home or in a location where the temp is controlled. Also in an open box somewhere where you and your family are not being exposed to it at all.

[2pigs2kids]

From what I've heard from everyone else here, it needs to be open to the air so it doesn't get moldy. Sounds like it's best to keep in something like a large cardboard box with the lid open.

[Matt Ceja]

Originally Posted by 2pigs2kids

From what I've heard from everyone else here, it needs to be open to the air so it doesn't get moldy. Sounds like it's best to keep in something like a large cardboard box with the lid open.

Either that or in a plastic container that has plenty of holes for ventilation. I would not EVER recommend putting hay in any kind of plastic bag or bags at all. I keep my hay in a box with the lid open. =)

[gooberific]

Originally Posted by Matt Ceja

Either that or in a plastic container that has plenty of holes for ventilation.

This is how I keep mine...



I live in the desert where it's dry nearly every day so I do keep it outside, and the box is away from a road and away from water and away from pesticides. I use natural and/or home/kid/pet friendly things like cinnamon, cloves, dish soap and vinegar to keep away weeds and pests. But since you live in such a "wet" place, I'd suggest keeping your hay indoors somewhere.

[Jenwaite]

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I have the perfect bin for it in my closet, it just needs a few holes poked in it for ventilation.

[Matt Ceja]

Originally Posted by gooberific

This is how I keep mine...



I live in the desert where it's dry nearly every day so I do keep it outside, and the box is away from a road and away from water and away from pesticides. I use natural and/or home/kid/pet friendly things like cinnamon, cloves, dish soap and vinegar to keep away weeds and pests. But since you live in such a "wet" place, I'd suggest keeping your hay indoors somewhere.

You are probably a few miles away from me. :P I live in Scottsdale.