Do you unwrap large bale haylage?

[Suby2]

We used large bale haylage for the first time last year but used to only remove the packaging from the part we were using. As it is stored outdoors we then put a tarp over the open end. I have seen on another forum that some people unwrap it completely to stop it heating up. Does anyone on here do this? If so, is it only advisable if it is stored inside?

 

[AmyMay]

Always unwrap it totally. But it's stored inside....

 

[mrussell]

Round or Square ?

If it round, side it on a flat end, cut the top off, slash down the sides, peel the plastic down, unwrap and use.

You would need to cover it in a tarp if its sat outside.

If its square we cut the end like a flap, cut the strings and take each section out. We then close the flap back down and weigh down with a brick. Even if a little water gets in, it wont do too much damage.

Most bales will last 5 to 10 days like that without completely uncovering it.

 

[meesha]

I use big round bale haylage - I slit wrap and peel down so uncovered - take off mesh and wrap rope round actual bale to stop it collapsing - put tarp over with big rope round middle - uncover - use - recover. This also means that you can see if you have a good bale before using any of it rather than getting a nasty surprise halfway through !

 

[Noodlebug]

I always un-wrap mine. They are large bales and I cut the the front down each side and then put wrap off the sides. It does depend on how warm the weather is but I always let the air get to it. Mine lasts from 10 to 14 days but horses have normally eaten it all by 5 days!

 

[PandorasJar]

I leave it wrapped but we always use within 24/36 hours if feeding it. If it was longer, I'd get out the bale entirely.

 

[maxine1985]

If its square we cut the end like a flap, cut the strings and take each section out. We then close the flap back down and weigh down with a brick. Even if a little water gets in, it wont do too much damage.

Most bales will last 5 to 10 days like that without completely uncovering it.

This is what i do, never have any problems over heating

 

[DW Team]

I have big round ones I slice open like unwrapping baby bell. Removing all wrapping and netting holding the bale. I fill nets as normal and then cover with trap held in place with straps. Between three big horses it lasts about 8 days 2 nets each a day.

 

[navaho]

I really think it depends on your haylage as to whether it would overheat if left wrapped, some haylage is so dry & hay like now i dont think it would over heat, the slightly wetter stuff, like mine, would, without a doubt, over heat if left wrapped.

 

[immybrookstud]

If its square we cut the end like a flap, cut the strings and take each section out. We then close the flap back down and weigh down with a brick. Even if a little water gets in, it wont do too much damage..

we do the same, found when we unwrapped whole bale it dried out quickly, ponies were not so keen to eat it after first few days

 

[Dolcé]

We would only unwrap the whole bale if it was warm weather, through winter it is left covered and taken off a slice at a time with the flap being weighted down as said above. In summer we unwrap completely, remove strings and open out the individual sections to allow air to circulate and prevent heating. It ends up drying like hay rather than staying moist but is better that losing the bale as it isn't used as quickly in summer.