Oh no! moldy hay

[bunnyluv17]

I bought some hay at a local farm about a month ago. It was not moldy when I got it. I filled three plastic tubs and one yard bag with it. One tub I kept in the house and the others I kept in the garage. They were in a dark, dry place. My rabbit does not care for the hay so I was going to donate the hay in the garage to the shelter. When I opened the bag and the tubs the hay was damp and moldy, ewww! I checked the hay in the house, but it isn't moldy at all. Why did the hay in the garage get moldy, and how can I prevent it in the future?

 

[mncavylover]

The hay in the garage was exposed to more moisture. You must store the hay in cardboard boxes or something breatheable. That's why it molded. I'm sorry that the donation did not work out.

 

[Erin8607]

Hay has a moisture content to it even though it seems dry to us. When you close it up in plastic containers, it will sweat and mold very easily and quickly.

I keep my hay in our garage in open cardboard boxes. Our garage is attached to the house and we're in and out all the time - the hay stays fresh for quite a long time.

 

[loves2travel]

in onve visit to the store, could i buy four months supply of hay? will it stay fresh?

 

[NoVeil]

If stored properly, hay will last an incredibly long time. I just bought 2 bales of hay yesterday. My last order of hay came in August, it is now October and I am almost out. I think the 2 bales will last me at least 4 months. I have it in cardboard boxes and then I keep about 3 flakes inside the house in a sterlite container.

 

[Piglet]

Its just important that its not kept in plastic bags where it can sweat. (doesn't that sound weird?) Also, make sure its of the floor.