How do you store hay at home?

Your hay does best in the dark, where sun can’t damage it. It also does best in dry places, with lots of ventilation. That means basements are not a good place to store hay – they are dark, but typically the air flow is next to nothing. And dampness is usually a problem down there in the cellar.

What is the best way to store hay?

Store hay inside “In most cases, it is recommended to elevate bales using gravel, which can reduce DM losses to 3-15%. The best option for storage is covering hay bales with tarps, which will help to prevent losses on hay stored outside.”Dec 2, 2013.

How do you store hay indoors for rabbits?

Storing your hay in a dry place will help to prevent mold from growing on your rabbit food and will keep you from having to replace hay unnecessarily. It is advised to leave hay in a place like a closet or in a plastic bin which will protect it from wetness.

Can you store hay in a plastic bag?

Anything that keeps your hay off the ground and out of the rain is going to be an excellent choice. Using a plastic can was the easiest and cleanest method for storing hay I have found. If you have the space for a large manger, make it big enough to store a full bale.

How do you store round bales indoors?

Large, round bales should be stored in the open, not under shade and have good air circulation. The storage site should be well-drained and a 4″-to-6″ course rock base will help minimize bottom spoilage of the bales.

How do you store hay without bailing?

You can store loose hay in a dry place; it won’t lose any nutritional value if it isn’t baled. The major drawback to storing it loose, as I said, is that it takes up a lot more space. Baling hay compresses it so it requires less space, and bales can be stacked more efficiently too.

How do you store hay without a barn?

Without a barn, you can adapt a large storage shed or cargo container. If you have to store hay outdoors, protect stacked hay with secured tarps or a plastic covering. Raise hay off bare ground using wood pallets or tires, or by building a pad of rocks or gravel.

How do you keep hay from molding?

Stack the bottom layer of bales on their sides, with the strings facing sideways instead of up. The uneven surface allows better air circulation and helps prevent mold from growing. Stack the second layer with the strings facing up, all pointing in the same direction.

Does hay need to breathe?

3) Leave space for bales to breathe. That allows the air to move around the bales so they maintain their green color. Obviously, if we used preservative, they were baled a little damp, so they need space to breathe.”.

Can you store hay in a container?

We found many positive aspects associated with storing hay or other perishable items in cargo containers. Some pros pertained to the containers themselves: They’re nearly airtight and waterproof. Volume storage is possible, depending on the size of container you get.

Does hay go bad?

Hay is a natural product that doesn’t expire in the traditional sense of the term. When stored in the proper conditions, hay will retain its nutritional value for many months. Over time, the fresh, natural aroma of hay that pets love will fade, so it’s a good idea to use your hay within its “freshest by” range.

How long does rabbit hay stay fresh?

If stored properly in a cool dark place with good ventilation, the Timothy Hay Food may keep for 6 months or longer.

Should hay be kept airtight?

Do not store your hay in air tight tubs or containers as this will cause the hay to ferment and encourage the growth of mould. If hay is to be stored in air tight containers you must ensure the moisture content of your hay is at a very low level preferably below 15%.

How do you preserve hay bales?

Square bales should be stored inside in a place that is not susceptible to roof leaks or storm runoff (that’s why it’s usually stored off the ground in a lofted area). Never stack bales all the way up to the ceiling, as they could make contact with a light, and will block circulation.

How long should hay sit before stacking?

Hay baled with more than 22 percent moisture should probably not be put into storage for at least 30 days. This is especially true if bales are to be stacked several layers deep. With the threat of barn fires removed by outside hay storage, many operators of large round balers try to bale hay with too much moisture.

Can you store hay under a tarp?

Cover Hay for More Control Barns are good for hay. Expect losses up 10 ten percent when hay is stored under tarps. You’ll minimize these losses by stacking square bales on dry days, buying pre-wrapped round bales, and checking the undersides of tarps for condensation after heavy dews and rains.