Aug
13th
Files under Florida hay, alfalfa hay, dairy hay, hay, horse hay, horse tack |
Posted by admin
My husband and I have been in the hay field all week. We have some great stuff that I want to feed but I’ve heard a lot of people say you shouldn’t feed fresh bailed hay right away. I’ve had horses for 20 yrs but I’ve never faced this dilemma because I’ve always had plenty from the previous year. This year we ran short so I’m buying some from a friend. How long do you think I should wait until I can feed this cut of hay.
The big thing you need to worry about is heat. The process of bailing produces heat and the bails need time to cool. Usually about a month.
If you need to feed it out now bail it and then take it into the barn and cut several bails open and let them air for a day or 2 until all the hay is cool to the touch for about a day. Once it has cooled and stays cool you are fine.
We always leave our hay for two months before feeding it, and even then it is slowly mixed in with the old hay so that the horses can adjust to it. at a real push would say six weeks but not any sooner. If your friend has the hay I really would carry on buying this from them because it is just not worth the risk., hope this gives you an idea.
Hi you should not feed fresh hay to your horses give it 6 to 8 weeks from bail day the hay needs time to ferment–yours–ps keep your horses on last years hay for that time.
PS been farming cows sheep an horses for 45 years.
about a week and a half…let it dry out all the chemicals
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3 weeks
i dont think it matters but call a vet if your worried