New hay

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HeidiBoo

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Apologies as apparantly there was a post on this a few days ago, however I went to page 14 and couldn't find it....

How long do you wait before feeding new hay? I've just bought a load, it's three weeks old and was wondering when would be best to start introducing it, before I run out of my other stuff.

One person told me it's fine now, as long as I introduce it slowly and keep an eye on everyone, another told me no way, not yet, you're horses will die, you'll die, the world will stop turning....maybe not quite but just about...

It's normally not a problem as I have plenty of the previous years but sourcing hay has been really difficult throughout the winter and into spring, and I haven't built up such a stock...
 
Normally ok to use after 8 to 12 weeks, less if it has been allowed to dry out longer on the field, once it is baled it starts to heat up, and its this heating that can cause problems, best way to check is open a bale if its warm to the touch dont use, loosen it out a bit and allow to cool off.
 
There have been times when I've had to start feedng it pretty much straight away... if you mix it with your old stuff, I'm sure you'll be fine - I haven't lost a horse yet!
 
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