Hay Question
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Hay Question
I have a bit of a "situation" here. I usually buy good quality bales of hay from my local haulier. I have ponies, goats and sheep as well as the rabbits and so I buy lots at a time, and order more when I am getting low.
I have had a further 25 bales ordered for a while now, and wondered why it hadn't been delivered. Aparently, he's been on holiday to the Carribean (alright for some) and will get my order to me soon.
Tonight I am left with a couple of bales of 2yr old poor quality hay. It is dry and not showing any sign of mould, but it is poor nutritionally. The ponies, sheep and goats can eat it, along with forage mix etc, but I am worried about my rabbits.
I am hoping to get the new hay in the next few days (hopefully tomorrow) but what do I do between now and when the new order arrives?
They are currently on Burgess Supa Natural, which is a "muesli" mix with a lot of pellets in it, along with some fruit and veg, and at least 80% hay.
I can't get a to a pet shop for bags of hay, because there isn't a pet shop within 30 miles of here, and If I order online, delivery will probably take as long as my haulier will.
Is poor quality hay better than no hay at all?
Do I increase their other food to make up for the poor nutritional content of the hay?
I have had a further 25 bales ordered for a while now, and wondered why it hadn't been delivered. Aparently, he's been on holiday to the Carribean (alright for some) and will get my order to me soon.
Tonight I am left with a couple of bales of 2yr old poor quality hay. It is dry and not showing any sign of mould, but it is poor nutritionally. The ponies, sheep and goats can eat it, along with forage mix etc, but I am worried about my rabbits.
I am hoping to get the new hay in the next few days (hopefully tomorrow) but what do I do between now and when the new order arrives?
They are currently on Burgess Supa Natural, which is a "muesli" mix with a lot of pellets in it, along with some fruit and veg, and at least 80% hay.
I can't get a to a pet shop for bags of hay, because there isn't a pet shop within 30 miles of here, and If I order online, delivery will probably take as long as my haulier will.
Is poor quality hay better than no hay at all?
Do I increase their other food to make up for the poor nutritional content of the hay?
Re: Hay Question
Is there not a local farm that could get a couple of bales to you?
Sparky- Senior Hopper
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Re: Hay Question
can you not cut some grass with a pair of scissers? I think that is what i would do, and add it to the hay you have until the new hay arrives
Vince the bunny- Established Hopper
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Registration date : 2010-08-09
Re: Hay Question
Id prob try and hit some grass too. A grim job when its so cold outside though
im sure I read something in Jay's notes from the RWAF conference about how Buns can actually eat stuff with a poor nutritional value without experiencing too much harm (was obviously a lot more complicated than that) so I think so long as the hay you have isnt damp or rotten they will be okay with it for a couple of days as they will still be getting vits from the veggis etc.
im sure I read something in Jay's notes from the RWAF conference about how Buns can actually eat stuff with a poor nutritional value without experiencing too much harm (was obviously a lot more complicated than that) so I think so long as the hay you have isnt damp or rotten they will be okay with it for a couple of days as they will still be getting vits from the veggis etc.
KatieB- Elder Hopper
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Re: Hay Question
As long as it isn't mouldy or anything then should be after all it is only a few days so i'm sure they will be fine.
Velvet.Tears- Senior Hopper
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Registration date : 2010-08-20
Re: Hay Question
Thanks everyone. it's not mouldy or damp, and it doesnt smell funny. Plus they are eating it.... so it must taste a bit like hay. But I know its 2 years old, and it is very dry and yellow.
I have cut some grass from my meadow, but will wait until morning to feed it to them because it's covered in snow and ice at the moment.
Local farmers don't tend to use the standard bales of hay - just the huge round ones, that I can't store.
Hoping the delivery is tomorrow (and that the haulier can actually GET to me). We have a lot of snow and we are high up and remote.
Once again, many thanks folks
Jan x
I have cut some grass from my meadow, but will wait until morning to feed it to them because it's covered in snow and ice at the moment.
Local farmers don't tend to use the standard bales of hay - just the huge round ones, that I can't store.
Hoping the delivery is tomorrow (and that the haulier can actually GET to me). We have a lot of snow and we are high up and remote.
Once again, many thanks folks
Jan x
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