Is it okay to feed 2 year old hay?

[kezz86]

Just wondering if it's okay to feed hay this old?

I will of course be wash, soaked or steamed before feeding...

It's for two good doers who are barefoot if that makes a difference?!

What are your thoughts?

 

[joosie]

Any horse can eat hay if it has enough teeth Our foals start sucking on their mums' hay before they've even got anything to nibble it with!

 

[noodle_]

misread post

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Barn stored - just make sure you dont have mould & that you bang the worst of the dust off.

I'd soak, - but would not have prob feeding hay that age at all

 

[cobalobM]

I think she meant Hay that was cut 2 years ago

 

[LeannePip]

i think OP is asking weather it is okay to feed hay that is 2yo not to a horse who is 2yo!!

op in answer to your question i dont know :S sorry!

 

[WelshD]

If its been stored correctly and smells good I would feed it

 

[Happy Hunter]

I think the OP means 'AGED Hay' - not a young horse!

in answer to your original question - Yes - Just keep an eye out for the usual seg. dust, mould ect.
If in doubt on a particular 'dodgey' bale - chuck it in the bin (or muck heap)

 

[noodle_]

ohhhh hahaha sorry misread



*puts glasses on *

 

[purplerain]

I love finding a source of aged hay for my good doer natives! Much prefer to feed them older hay than fresh, as long as it is in good condition.

 

[kezz86]

Excellent news thanks all.

Sorry I just realised how that could be misread!

I did mean aged hay rather than young horse!

 

[FfionWinnie]

Of course if it has been properly stored it will be completely fine.

 

[gadetra]

Yep if it's not mouldy it's grand.

I mis read the post as well!! It was only looking at previous comments I made it out. Best thread title in a while I think. I like it! :biggrin3:

 

[smellsofhorse]

I'd say yes if it still looks and smells nice.

Just watch out for mould etc.

 

[smellsofhorse]

Any horse can eat hay if it has enough teeth Our foals start sucking on their mums' hay before they've even got anything to nibble it with!

An example of how grammar can affect the meaning of a sentence!

 

[OrangePepper]

As hay ages it becomes very much more dusty. Much of this dust is classified as Micro-Dust (very small particles , which means that the body (human and equine) can not prevent it from passing down the respiratory tract to the lungs. Exposure to Micor-Dust will efect the lung function of the lungs and prevent gaseous exhange. The other issue with micor-dust is that it has hardly any density so will remain suspended in the air for long periods of time before it settles.
Apart from soaking the hay in freh water for at least one hour it is also imprtant to remove all dust from the walls and rafters of your stable and adjoinining stables at least once a week to keep the dust to a minumum.
Also always feed hay from the ground so that the horses sinuses can discharge while eating.

 

[joosie]

Sorry I just realised how that could be misread!

I did mean aged hay rather than young horse!

Lol, well I have to say I'm quite relieved... have to admit I was a tad worried that somebody who owned horses didn't think a 2-year-old could eat hay

An example of how grammar can affect the meaning of a sentence!

Lol yes. In a "let's eat, grandad" vs. "let's eat grandad" sort of way

 

[Dry Rot]

Of course if it has been properly stored it will be completely fine.

...and well made.

Mine were eating three year old hay the other day so I clear the barn and put the fresh stuff inside. But then my hay is always well made!<g>