Hay Hay stored in boxes

[Artista]

A family owned pet supply store is going out of business. Nice price cuts. Already have 10 to 15 lbs of SPS hay for my 1 gp but couldn't resist paying $20 for a 10 lb box of SPS Orchard grass hay. Bought 2 boxes.

They are taped closed. It's going to be awhile before I need these with 1 gp. How long does hay remain good? It's in my living room so no moisture or extreme temps. Should I open the boxes to expose the hay to the air at least the top layer or in a taped boc is fine? TIA

 

[Artista]

I always open my boxes of hay so they can get some air. I also have a large rubbermaid container without a lid that I keep my extra hay in. I think hay needs to breathe so I wouldn't keep it completely closed up. I remember seeing one of the moderators posting that hay will stay fresh up to a year if it is kept in the right conditions.

Oddly enough I have a small box of kms bluegrass hay left from a couple years ago. Still looks ok though more browns. Fed her some green strands and she ate it ok. I think if it's green it's fine. You give hay for fiber, not nutrients, so I think the 1 year isn't always true if you're stored it properly and it not discolored or something that would say don't give.

 

[bpatters]

Hay will maintain 95% of its nutritional value for up to two years. But it does need air circulation, so any container it's stored it should have holes in the sides to facilitate that.