How best to store haylage outside?

[kit279]

Getting my haylage delivered next week and going to have to store it outside in the field. What is the best way of storing it so that it lasts the winter without getting attacked by various birds and beasts?

Should I get a tarpaulin or rabbit fencing?

Any pointers?

 

[winchester]

Mine is outside and has been since august just go out once a week armed with my duc tape and patch up any holes!!

 

[Angua2]

have to say, after stuggling with a tarpaulin and bits falling off the round, I bought a bale tidy.... best thing i could have done. Not long after I got mine, my friend got one too as aparently she said I made life look so easy.

Robinsons do them or you can get them from the manufacturer

Sorry just re-read the post....

Regular checks and duct tape works for us

 

[Gilbey]

I stored them on pallets and bought a large net from the local farm shop. Had no problems and was able to re use the net year after year. Made it ever so easy to just pull back and take the bales. Note though we did anchor it with old tyres so it wouldn't blow away. Hope this helps you.

 

[dieseldog]

What colour wrapping is your bales in? Birds tend to go for Black and ignore green. I think the black wrap looks shiny.

We've never put anything over our bales the only holes we got in them was when our dog decided to eat one of the corners as there was obviously a mouse living in the bale

 

[Maesfen]

If your bales are black also helps if you paint a cross, it seems to stop the crows pecking them as otherwise they can see their reflection on them and attack! Seriously, not kidding either!
Ours are stored outside, 2 lines long with bales on top being staggered so they go up like a pyramid. For safety sake, 3 bales is the highest we go, we also don't cover them with anything but we make sure they are placed on pallets so that no stones can pierce the bottoms too. Also helps if the bales aren't moved too many times either otherwise it turns them baggy and be careful you don't pierce a bale before you use it. I've found it best to open up all sides of a bale rather than just take out what you need, less chance of it going off if the air can get around it.