I have some for my rabbit and she can't eat it fast enough.
2006-08-29 08:30:03 · 6 answers · asked by ihaftaknow 3 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
I feed hay to my Prairie dogs and I buy the large bales from the feed store to save money and get the freshest hay available.
You can buy one of those large covered trashcans on wheels and it holds a bale of hay quite nicely. It keeps it from getting wet (but I recommend still keeping it in a shady location on a covered porch) and it always smells really fresh when I open it to get more. Because, like me, your pet probably soils more hay than it eats and it's more cost effective to buy a large bale from a feed store..this is what I recommend.
However, if you buy the smaller bales at the pet store, they can be stored in a cool dry location, sealed preferably in a bag or bucket.
If the hay is kept inside, I HIGHLY recommend using a large seal-able container because hay does have noseeums (chiggers, red-bugs, mites) and they can get into your laundry and move into clothes and stuff.
They are horrible to try to get rid of and will drive you crazy.
(can you tell I have had personal experience with this?)
PS - while you are at the feed store, look at getting a bag of the Mazuri Rabbit Chow. It's the Purina Zoo Feed Division and it's always fresh and has all the nutrients your bunny needs. Plus it's cheaper.
Http://www.mazuri.com
Feedstores also sell bedding and a product called Sweet PDZ for putting in stalls and bottoms of cages to help with odor. Check them out..you won't regret it.
edit - - I usually use a bale a month because the hay gets soiled and they use it for bedding. I throw a great deal away (compost pile) and that's why I advocate getting the big bales of fresh hay. I have never had a problem with mold and I live in Florida - the hurricane state.
2006-08-29 08:50:20 · answer #1 · answered by Zoo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way is off the gound and covered. If it is just one small bale use a large (leaf size) garbage bag. Also keep it out of areas where rodents can get in to it, or else you might find a surprise when you open it. Also as far as feeding the hay to the rabbit make sure you know what is in it. You want it as green as possible and not dusty. While breaking it apart and dust flies it is not quality hay for a rabbit. While looking for rabbit hay feed them the same hay horse people feed thier horses.
2006-08-29 15:43:48 · answer #2 · answered by Joshua H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way is in a cardboard or wood box. Not a plastic container. Plastic draws moisture which will make thehay grow mold, then its un useable. I keep mine in a cardboard box,that has a few little holes in it ... to let the hay get air.
2006-08-29 16:49:15 · answer #3 · answered by Megan g 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dry is the most important. Hay already has moisture in it and needs to breath. If completely air tight, it will mold. Those nasty spores are everywhere. Short term - plastic garbage bag would be fine.
2006-08-29 17:16:23 · answer #4 · answered by g_e_d1960 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight ...if you have a bale then you will want to make sure that you keep it in some sort of storage container (even if you have to break it down) like rubbermaid for outdoors - they have large capacities...this will help keep away field mice.
also keep a "nose" on it as the hay can sour and you dont want to feed that to your rabbit
2006-08-29 15:39:34 · answer #5 · answered by cookiesmom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep it in a dry place with ventilation so it doesn't get moldy.
2006-08-29 15:55:00 · answer #6 · answered by karen wonderful 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋