Have you considered a layer of shavings on the bottom with straw on the top? Straw will loosen once the strings are cut and I'll re-tie the strings to tighten the bale back together until it's next needed. I once had a bale of straw given to me that was left over, found out it had become old and dusty and couldn't hold a flake any longer. It was swept up into a cardboard box and became fire starter on a few occasions. There is a piece of a bale left over from last season that could possibly meet the same fate once I un-tie the string for this year. Which is a good reminder I really should go get fresh straw soon before the supply gets depleted for Halloween and fall decor if it hasn't already.

 

Contactor size trash bags. A 2 string bale of straw or hay fits in it perfectly.
To make it easy, I slide it into the bag first, then cut the bailing twine.

 

This is a fantastic idea! And it’s something I will definitely consider before I build something. Thank you!

 

You can also get a plastic trash can with a lid. Just buy it in there before you cut the strings. The lid also keeps it from getting dusty or wet. This works great for hay also

 

I was wondering, if putting it inside of something would make it turn moldy or icky. I actually use a large tote for my pine shavings for my chickens. Thank you!

 

You can build a small wooden box the size of your bale. That's what I did for my hay. It holds two bales standing and reduces spillage by 90%. Just plop in the bales, cut the strings and Bob's your uncle. (Who is Bob and why is having him as your uncle a good thing?)

 

LMAO!!! Well if Bob helps, then I’m all for him being my uncle. I do a lot of building so that might be a good idea. And then I’d be able to hold two bales and that would definitely come in handy. Thank you so much. And thanks for the laugh!

 

😁😂

 

Not that you need a picture of a box. You probably know what a wooden box looks like.

Box is built into the corner and has a raised wood floor inside to prevent moisture from creeping into the hay.

I store hay in the loft. I just drop the bales though the opening, into the box. The box is [now] strong enough to not fall apart when the bales don't land perfectly.