Hay storage

[Charliehooks]

How is everyone storing hay? I here cat crap and pee isn't good on the hay do I use some kind of storage bin or make one?

 

[Cindy in SD]

I'm told (today, so I haven't checked it out) that you can buy compressed hay and store it in a large plastic trash bin. The lady who told me this is a breeder. (I'm waiting on some kits from her.) She says it lasts forever.

 

[KelleyBee]

I know the most important thing for hay storage is keeping it dry. Shaded from sunlight also seems to be recommended.

 

[ladysown]

cats don't tend to eliminate up high, so just put your hay up on something. remember that it needs to breathe

 

[RabbitsOfTheCreek]

I have one cat who tries to get to the hay to eat it

And throw it up later...

 

[Mini Lop Mama]

I have a huge plastic bin with a lid that I keep my hay in.

 

[Charliehooks]

I'm told (today, so I haven't checked it out) that you can buy compressed hay and store it in a large plastic trash bin. The lady who told me this is a breeder. (I'm waiting on some kits from her.) She says it lasts forever.

What do you mean compressed hay? Like silage? Plastic wrapped?

 

[WylieCoyote]

What do you mean compressed hay? Like silage? Plastic wrapped?

I think they might be referring to hay cubes. But they do have a shelf life...

 

[ladysown]

I have a huge plastic bin with a lid that I keep my hay in.

you should keep that lid cracked so the hay can breathe

 

[Cindy in SD]

What do you mean compressed hay? Like silage? Plastic wrapped?

I'm not sure. Not silage, though. I'm not clear on whether non-ruminants should eat silage. (I've read that chickens can get botulism from eating it.)

I haven't been to town since I spoke to her a day or two ago. I would expect it to be wrapped in plastic. She said they carry it at Fleet Farm. If you have one of those (or similar) in your area, you might ask there. That's what I'm planning to do.

 

[Cindy in SD]

I think they might be referring to hay cubes. But they do have a shelf life...

She was definitely talking about a bale, not cubes. I've gotten compressed straw (before I learned where to buy it in bales--we're not in a grain farming area, so it's not as easy to source here as in other places--nor as cheap.) I assume it's like the straw; very heavy, LOTS of straw in that teeny tiny bale.