When can you feed new hay?

[SNORKEY]

Hi, the weathers turned and its solid rain all this week. I've only got half a bale of last years hay left but I've got a barn full if hay cut about a month ago.
When can you feed newly cut hay? As I could really do with putting some in the stables for them to come in.

 

[be positive]

If you introduce it slowly just giving them a little mixed with the old it should be fine, I have often had to feed new hay and never had a problem, I tend to open a few bales and spread it out a bit to make sure it is really dry, in the sun is ideal but no chance of that Or I soak it to remove some of the sugars.

 

[SNORKEY]

Thanks, one if them has been opened for a few weeks as it burst so il start mixing that in.

 

[rema]

Six weeks from baled is what they recommend.But if it is dried out or soaked it shouldent be a problem.

 

[liz4949]

In Sept 2012 edition of 'Horse' there is a quote from Clare Barfoot, Spiller's head nutritionist. 'It is a myth that you can't give horses new hay. As long as it has been properly dried and baled, you can feed it straight away'
Hope that puts your mind at rest that it's fine to feed it.

 

[ofcourseyoucan]

you can feed fairly soon, but obvs monitor pooh and general behaviour! and do not give ad lib but on as req basis.

 

[Miss L Toe]

Watch the droppings, if they are loose, it is probably the hay. I agree with laying out in the sun for a bit, if possible.
You can feed Fast Fibre as a hay replacer to some extent, this can replace some of their pony nuts.