Hay storage

anybody....

Hay is supposed to be stored exposed to air in a dry environment, so that sounds fine provided the garage isn't damp and you don't have a problem with mice or rats. If you want to put it in something because it makes it easier for you (for example if you'll need to move it about a little and don't want it to shed everywhere), use a wooden or cardboard box, but leave it open so it stays fresh for longer. It also lasts better if you store it in as big a quantity as possible so keeping the bale whole and just taking off what you need is ideal.

Glad you found the place anyway - shame about it taking so long! I do hope we've seen the last of the rain - hasn't it been miserable?!

The weather's been absolutely awful! Raining in the middle of August? I'm really happy that I found the bale as well. The nightmare journey was worth it! I think I'll just leave it how it is. We don't really use the garage that much, so its not a problem. Thanks!

When my current supply runs out, I plan on buying a bale as well. However, when I mentioned this to my mom (who lived on a ranch), she was full of tales of spontaneous combustion in hay. She tends to run on the doom and gloom side of life but I searched on the internet and found this article discussing how hay can spontaneously burst into flames. It's worth keeping in mind.


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In particular, watch out for a "slight caramel odor or a distinct musty smell" which could indicate that your hay is overheating.

wow, thanks for the link. Well, considering our weather, my garage usually stays cold, so I'm hoping that it does not overheat.