Haylage?? How long?

[Tangaroo]

How long can you leave a bale open? I am having problems finding hay and wondered if haylage is a good option. I only have two horses though so presumably i would have to use small bales as i wouldnt use up a big bale quick enough! Anyone give me an idea how long it lasts please?

 

[spaniel]

I use this....

http://www.fosse-way-fodder.co.uk/Haylage.html

Comes in 20 kilo packs and during the winter I reckon I can keep it 5 days if I cover it after opening. Theres no way I could justify getting the bigger bales as I would be throwing most of it away.

 

[michb52]

With 2 horses you will prob be going through a bale a day so you will have no problem with it going off!

 

[miller]

We use a 150 kg bale - feeds 2 horses for 7 days, we just cut the top into a long flap and down the sides so it is uncovered and it's fine - checked with vet and he does the same!

 

[Faithkat]

I use the big oblong bales and one lasts my mare just about 3 weeks. I find that if you wrap it back up really tightly each time you take some from it, it is absolutely fine.

 

[madhector]

i use the big bales, for my two, they get though one in about 9 days, and if you keep it covered and wrapped up it seems to last fine

 

[dressagecrazy]

I use 200kg bales of haylage i cut a flap at the front to take out sections & leave the rest covered. I normaly use a bale in 7 days. Have had bales open for 10-14 days & there fine as long as the weather isnt to warm.

 

[parsley]

It depends on how wet it is - I have dryish large round bales, which I open in an open fronted barn. I make sure that I remove all the packaging to avoid it heating up and it will last 10 to 14 days. I haven't had one go gooey yet but sometimes they do get hot inside, which make the mould spores grow. If I am getting near the middle and I can feel its getting hot I break it all open to avoid this. I have a large cob and a small cob and they get through one on adlib with no problem before it has gone off.