[deenak]

My son left the barn door open last night and we had about 6 inches of snow. I have about 6 bales of hay that were covered in snow. Will I still be able to feed them to the goats? We cleaned them all off and set them up against the back wall.

 

[StaceyRosado]

open then up so that they can dry out and don't get moldy.

YOu may want to pull the top layer off if it is really wet so that it doesn't spoil the rest of the hay.

 

[KikoFaerie]

Last year my husband (trying to be nice, bless his heart) came back from an auction with 10 bales of alfalfa for the goats. Unloading and stacking it, I realized it had all been baled wet and was beginning to mold. Being cheap...er frugal, I didn't want to toss it all. I spread the bales out (didn't open the bales) and sprinkled them liberally with DE, concentrating on those spots that looked either moldy or about to turn moldy. DE is an incredible drying agent (wonderful in pens for pee spots, by the way). It dried them nicely, arresting the mold development. Used all the hay!
Just a tip!

 

[sweetgoats]

In this last storm we had, the snow came in all the little cracks, and I had a LOT of snow on some of my bales also. All I did was take the bales and threw them to the ground and got all the snow off. As long as it has not really melted it will be fine.

 

[Muddy Creek Farm]

Snow? What is snow? lol it has been such a warm winter here! It is 72 today.... but raining.

Everyone gave good advice...... everyone always does! I would just keep a lookout for really mildy pieces.

 

[enjoytheride]

:snowlaugh: Talk to me next August

 

[goathappy]

Actually spreading the wet bales with a little salt will help to draw out some of the moisture. Also, do not stack the wet bales on top of each other.

 

[deenak]

Thanks to everyone for you help!