How long can timothy hay last?

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

How long does it take for hay to go bad?

Hay doesn't come stamped with an expiration date, so sometimes it's hard to know when to use it and when to toss it. Consider these points: If the hay was of good-quality when harvested and stored in a dry place with sufficient airflow, hay is likely suitable for consumption for two to three years.

How long can we keep hay?

Hay stored undercover can maintain its quality for more than 12 months, but hay stored outdoors without cover will show significant reductions in quality, dry matter and nutrients over time. Hay can typically be stored outdoors and uncovered for up to three months, with a maximum of six months.

What happens when hay goes bad?

Unlike the sweet smell of fresh, high-quality hay, hay that is going bad may smell like mold or mildew. Even if there is no visible mold, steer clear of any hay that hints of mold! Additionally, if the hay lacks smell or smells stale, it is likely not as fresh as you may have been told.

What does good timothy hay smell like?

Good hay smells fresh and slightly sweet. Acrid or musty smells usually indicate the presence of mold.

ALL ABOUT HAY FOR RABBITS ?

How do you know if hay is good?

How long does hay last in a box?

If stored correctly, hay will stay good for about 12 months after harvest before losing any of its fresh taste or smell. Even if your pet did eat it after that 12 month mark, it still wouldn't hurt them. After all, there are bags of hay being sold in retail stores that are sometimes two or more years old.

How do you store hay long term?

Does hay deteriorate?

“Hay is a perishable commodity that deteriorates when exposed to weather. Time is a factor. For example, 90 days after cutting, the vitamin precursors' loose “strength” and animals will require supplementation. The fat soluble vitamins A, D, and E are the first nutrients to oxidize.

Is timothy hay supposed to be brown?

Hay can be packaged with a beautiful green color however if the product is stored in a lighted area it will begin to turn brown. This does not mean it has lost its nutritional value.

Is year old hay good?

Check the smell and look for obvious signs of mold. Generally, hay that is two to three years old is still acceptable given the right storage conditions. So before you go tossing last year's hay, give it a check over and feel confident feeding it if everything looks good.

How do I know if my hay has mold?

Look for Mold

Cut open a bale of hay and separate the flakes. Look for the presence of mold in any of the flakes. Moldy hay generally presents as darker areas which are grey or black. If you find mold, refuse the bale – mold indicates that the hay was baled when it was too wet.

How do you store hay properly?

Indoor Storage

Protect valuable hay from the elements by storing it under cover in a building that doesn't leak and has good ventilation. Choose a building on an elevated, well-drained site. Hay is highly flammable, so you don't want it overhead if your main barn catches fire.

Will cows eat year old hay?

According to the hay calculator, the year-old hay has 36 percent waste in the form of weathered, low quality hay that will not be eaten by the cows. This gives last year's hay an adjusted value of $70.31 per bale when compared to this year's hay.

How do you keep hay fresh?

Storing your hay in a dry place will help to prevent mold from growing on your small pet 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 hay bales go bad?

With too much moisture, hay can spoil while baled hay can experience thermal expansion—causing it to combust and creating a severe hazard. Because of this, checking the moisture content of hay with a hay moisture meter before baling begins is an integral part of harvesting.

How do you store hay so it doesn't mold?

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 rabbit hay get stale?

How to Know When Your Rabbit's Timothy Hay Has Gone Bad. Hay can go bad. It's unfortunate, but it's a fact. Even though it's obviously dry, you always want to make sure it's fresh Timothy hay.

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.

What should timothy hay look like?

Timothy hay looks like long strands of dry grass. It can be light to pale green or light straw color, depending on its age and quality. The hay should have a fresh-cut grass smell. Alfalfa hay is higher in protein and calories, but timothy hay has more fiber and better calcium to phosphorus ratio.

What is bad hay?

Poor-quality hay may be damp and moldy with a musty or fermented smell. Hay that appears weathered, straw-like, or brown is likely low in nutritional value. If hay has been cut late in maturity, seed heads will be apparent in grass hay and blooms will be evident in alfalfa hay.

Can you store hay in a garage?

Whole hay bales are easy to stack in the corner of a garage, shed, or coop, but once you open it up a hay bale or straw bale, it will be everywhere unless you have a plan. We fortunately have an attached garage that has worked fabulously as a wood shed, rabbit barn, and hay bale storage area.

Can timothy hay be stored outside?

Storing hay

Your hay does best in the dark, where sun can't damage it. It also does best in dry places, with lots of ventilation.