Hay storage?

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SpinningNickel

SpinningNickel

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So the boys are almost out of hay. Last time I bought them a bale of farm hay locally. They get a whole mezz layer filled with hay so there's a fair bit of wastage when I change them, but nevertheless 2/3 of this bale lasted two months. (I 'donated' the other 1/3 to a friend's rabbit as I didn't have space for it! The rest filled FOUR BOXES in my spare room which drove me mad.) They liked it fine and it didn't seem very dusty to me.

But Yoshi has been sneezing and my OH has terrible hay fever, which is killing him every time he's at mine! So I've been looking at the Dust Free Hay company for their next lot. I've read enough rave reviews that I have no qualms over the quality of their hay, but I AM worried about storage and cost! Also, I would switch back to a hay rack or ball if we went this route, because it's just too expensive to waste getting wee'ed on, which I worry wouldn't be nearly as much fun for them. Or as warm! My house is FREEZING.

Obviously haulage costs mean it's very expensive to buy the smallest quantities available. I wouldn't be opposed to buying in bulk, but... Where on earth can I keep 10 boxes of hay in a little city terrace?! I have a cellar, but it's quite damp and I expect I couldn't safely store it down there, even on pallets..?

So I guess I'm looking for all-around advice. Is the DFH company the way to go for Yoshi and the boyfriend? Is it even worthwhile buying in smaller packs? And if bulk is the way to go, WHERE DO YOU PEOPLE KEEP ALL THIS HAY? Is anyone pulling it off without a shed or the complete occupation of a spare room? Does anyone know the dimensions of the actual boxes? Does anyone have a better alternative? ARRRGH HAY!
 
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I use DFH and yes, it is definitely SO much better and less dusty than other hays I've used. I live in a tiny little terrace too... but we've got an attic so I buy the 5 box packs and store it up there. I used to sneeze loads with other hay, but it's been loads better since using DFH.

The boxes are really neat and easy to store - easier than bags in my opinion. I can go and measure one later if it would help!? They are a good size for handling and the hay is stuffed in pretty tight so there is more in there than it looks.

Personally I think it is worth the money but I'm definitely a bit more careful about how much gets wasted by getting weed on (although I kind of look at it as a reasonably cheap and simple toy for them as they love trampling around in a big pile, it keeps them amused better than any other toys I've bought for them, so I still give it to them in small piles!).
 
bsjlmb said:
i keep mine in wheelie bins. one bail fits perfectly in one bin
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I was going to say a standard (outdoor type) dustbin is supposed to fit a bale in, I think it says that on their site. :)
 
I fit bales in my little terraced house :D my 14kg bales come in a plastic bag, I stand it upright in a small bit of free space and just attack it when I need some :D

I use vilmie mountain meadow hay from zooplus it is £15 for 14kg :D
 
Yes, I'd love to know the dimensions so I can work out if any can be stored behind/under their cage. :)

Those of you that store them in wheelie bins, do you keep these outside? And they stay dry and critter-free? Would they keep in my cellar that way, do you think? Or would there be too much ambient damp still?
 
SpinningNickel said:
Yes, I'd love to know the dimensions so I can work out if any can be stored behind/under their cage. :)

Those of you that store them in wheelie bins, do you keep these outside? And they stay dry and critter-free? Would they keep in my cellar that way, do you think? Or would there be too much ambient damp still?
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my hay stays perfectly dry and free from any kind of critters in the wheelie bins:)
 
I think I shall be moving to a wheelie bin storage soon, the good thing is that I can lay my hands on them,well, very easily.

We do them at work in 80litre, 120litre, 180litre and 240litre sizes so if you are interested let me know.
 
Just bought my second lot of DFH and it is worth the extra money. I bought it in hessian bags, and the box has five in there. I keep one on the go and one inside on top of a cupboard. The rest stays in the garage, but could go anywhere, as the packs are quite handy and could be stored on top of a wardrobe, under a cage etc.

I found that I used quite a bit because my piggies prefer it to even dry food, which says something. However, they do chuck it around and pee on it. So I bought some cheapo short chopped stuff from P@H and put that in the bedding area, and put the good stuff in a hay ball, shove it in cereal boxes and other hideys etc. It definitely lasted longer than other 'quality' hays I have bought before, and there was no dust wastage. I hate it when there is six inches of dust mess in the bottom when the quality stuff has gone -- defo none with DFH. And it came quickly. I'm a happy customer!
 
Thanks all! I'll measure up and see if I can hide a couple under the cage and one or two in wheelie bins outside to save money... I don't trust that cellar atm... :))
 
I buy 5 plastic hay for cage and 3 boxes of soft hay for eating, couple bags of american timothy.. they all stack nicely on top of the other, its like jenga.. wouldn't buy anything else now..
 
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