How Long Can Hay Stay Fresh

**pennick** · #1 03-03-05, 01:01 pm

I made a large purchase of hay this time. 25 pounds, half Timothy which I have been feeding my piggies and 1/2 bluegrass which alot of people here say their piggies love, so I'll try it. Just wondering how long can hay stay pretty fresh. I previously purchased 9 pounds and that lasted for 2 piggies about 2 -1/2 months. 25 pounds may last me about 7 - 8 months. Can hay stay fresh for this long?

**Ly&Pigs** · #2 03-03-05, 01:45 pm

As long as it's stored in a cool, dry area away from sunlight and has good ventilation (so the hay can breathe) it can last for a very long time.

**suzy_99** · #3 03-03-05, 01:59 pm

I agree, there are farmers around here who are still selling bales of hay that they made last summer and they still look very fresh to me. My only problem is mice. I wonder if anyone has a good suggestion on how to keep mice and squirrels out of my hay, since the only place that I can keep it is outside in a shed.

**guineagurl** · #4 03-03-05, 04:14 pm

You need to keep it up off the floor so that the mice cannot get to it.
Don't know about squirrels, are they like possums?
I'm not sure if you have them but over there ,we have large shopping/storage bags
with a zipper top, only a dollar or 2, and come in multicolor check pattern)
that I use to have years ago, put my hay in these,, theyre thin and the hay can still breathe (light weaved fabric) but its unseen by rodents and unless they chew through it, its safer/cleaner etc.

Ps) I should take my own advice....

**Plummie** · #5 03-05-05, 08:27 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by pennick

I previously purchased 9 pounds and that lasted for 2 piggies about 2 -1/2 months. 25 pounds may last me about 7 - 8 months. Can hay stay fresh for this long?

Hay can stay fresh up to a year if stored properly. I buy hay by the 40# bale from my local feed store and store it in several large cardboard boxes. It works well for me and the hay keeps for months and months.

**LiciaMommycott** · #6 03-05-05, 10:54 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by guineagurl

Don't know about squirrels, are they like possums?

Wow! No squirrels in Australia? They are not like possums. They are little furry, tree climbing, seed eating, big tailed rodents. Very common back yard wild animals. (well in that way they are like possums).

**Piglet** · #7 03-17-05, 12:35 pm

I bought a bale back in September. I put it in a huge cardboard box, with the lid open for ventilation. Its raised off the ground and its still fresh. Smells like they day I bought it and its still green

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