if your hay came off of the field early september...

[BackInBlack]

when would you start to use it?
cut from field in good weather conditions - no rain.

 

[spaniel]

Yes I wouldnt have a problem using it.

 

[Persephone]

Mine came off Mid August. I shall start using it the end of this month.

 

[Enfys]

I'd use it straight away, I'd have to use it first anyway as it is at the front of the barn.

 

[Fanatical]

I think you are supposed to leave newly cut hay at least three months before using it.

 

[kerilli]

my old forage supplier had his tested repeatedly one year, and after 3 weeks there were no changes... so i will use it when it is 4 weeks old. never had a problem so far.

 

[MrMeldrew]

I am using mine now. As long as its dry its fine. It'll be more 'potent' than if you left it 2 months or whatever but it is still usable. Its usable from the day its baled if dry (which it should be).

 

[Enfys]

[ QUOTE ]
I think you are supposed to leave newly cut hay at least three months before using it.

[/ QUOTE ]

Bugger that. Personal preference of course.

I have the advantage of making my own hay, it comes off the field beautifully dry and cool, doesn't heat up and hasn't killed any of my horses in the last three years.

 

[teddyt]

QR- as long as you change over from old hay to new hay gradually (as with any feed) then you can feed it when you like.

If hay heats up after it has been made it has been made badly! Heat is because of fermentation i.e. the growing of mould.

 

[BackInBlack]

thanks for your replies, i've been buying horsehage to keep them going until i can use my hay, and at nearly £10 a go it's getting quite expensive!