Hay Question

[MamaSheepdog]

I am about to go buy more hay for the horses and the rabbits. There are two types available: Alfalfa and a 3-way Oat/Wheat/Barley. I am thinking of getting some of each. The alfalfa is $18.50 a bale, and the 3-way is $17.50 a bale. :x

Is there a significant difference in nutrient values? Should I just get the alfalfa?

 

[MaggieJ]

I'd get some of each... but more of the alfalfa. But then I am not feeding pellets and they need the protein that the alfalfa supplies. If you are planning on going pelletless, I think perhaps three bales of alfalfa to one of three-way. It's nice to have some grass hay for the nest boxes and kits.

Are those small square bales, about 40 pounds? EEK! Expensive!

 

[MamaSheepdog]

The bales are 100-120... but still expensive, especially for the horses! I can't wait for the new crop to come in. There will be locally grown Rye available toward the end of May at around $10- $12 a bale, and alfalfa shortly after.

Good advice- I was thinking along the same lines of feeding mostly alfalfa. I like to offer variety- I fed no pellets yesterday or today (it's an evening feed but I am not planning to give them any), and I will see how it goes. The weeds should stay green until the garden is producing, so now is as good a time as any to try going pelletless.

 

[Dan N TN]

I am about to go buy more hay for the horses and the rabbits. There are two types available: Alfalfa and a 3-way Oat/Wheat/Barley. I am thinking of getting some of each. The alfalfa is $18.50 a bale, and the 3-way is $17.50 a bale. :x

Is there a significant difference in nutrient values? Should I just get the alfalfa?

HOLY COW!!!!!!!!$18.50 a bale.... I planted a small 3 acre field this year in Alfalfa and paid $200 for a 50 lb bag of Alfalfa seed and thought I was getting ripped off. I am however stressing pretty bad over it right now because it was just coming up and turning the field green when it rained. Now, it's half as thick as it was. I think because it has to be planted so shallow (1/4 inch) it simply uprooted the seedlings and killed them. :angry:
Our other Alfalfa is running right around 16-17 % and we feed it to the goats and our pre and post pardum cows and weened calves.