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Post by brigadier on Oct 1, 2011 22:09:31 GMT
Bit of a dilemma really..... Basil coughs on hay alone, quite badly so would always have to soak or steam it plus he needs loads to keep weight on, perhaps a bale plus per day! Dont know about the ponies yet but would imagine haylage would be a bit rich. I cant handle hay myself, need a mask and gloves as totally allergic, but no problems with haylage. Cost: Even if haylage costs £40 a bale by the time Ive bought enough hay for basil I will be quids in if i buy haylage, but does it really last two weeks and what to do with any left over as sure even the incredible eating machine and two ponies cant get through a big round bale in two weeks?  And what about the ponies doing haylage- theyve managed on lots of new and fresh pasture this year without any foot problems but are both a bit fat? Help me procrastinate this one through folks as Im leaning towards haylage, dont have storage for both (and dont want to faff if it can be helped) thoughts.......... |
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Post by solomon on Oct 2, 2011 8:11:14 GMT
I have read that you can soak haylage to reduce its goodness, a faff again I know but another way to make it feasible for the ponies. I am going with haylage mainly too. Can't get through big bales with Pete so will be eeking it out with steamed hay. If the weaather is cool i am sure it will be ok as long as it is wrapped back up.
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haffyfan
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Post by haffyfan on Oct 2, 2011 17:39:52 GMT
ponies + haylage = rocket fuel quite possibly??
It's a tricky one as they are so diverse in type/needs. If you do go down hay route could you not use big bales as they work out more economical? They store well outside as long as you lay them sideways covered by a tapaulin with very little 'weather' wastage. I stand mine on crates to stop the bottom layer becoming damp too and usually buy several at a time so the last one stands out in all weathers for weeks/few months. No worries regarding going off etc if you have it sat about a while etc as well.
Could you small bale haylage Basil (farm not shop) and hay the ponies or will they all be out together (I can't remember if you got your stables or not)
ps i'm allergic to hay too but i'm okay with a mask and i usually wear gloves anyhow as my bales always have the odd thistle lurking (which i only find with bare hands of course!)
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Post by solomon on Oct 2, 2011 18:22:47 GMT
Stealing your thread but I am already worried if we have piles of snow again, Pete won't be able to go out to eat dry hay. The others will want to hay theirs in the field.
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Post by scattymare on Oct 2, 2011 19:29:02 GMT
Hmm tricky with the ponies. Are they sharing the field? If not, what about oat or barley straw for the ponies and smaller bale haylage for Basil? If that would help your allergies.
Haylage in winter I believe keeps quite well for up to a month (though I've never used it so only going on hearsay) if you open it as little as possible and keep it covered.
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Post by brigadier on Oct 3, 2011 17:12:13 GMT
They will be all out in the field together, Im hoping the stables will be done in the next month or so but its going to be tight for winter. If the stables are done I will bring them in at night but have them out during the day. I didnt realise haylage would keep for up to a month, thought it was two weeks maximum once opened. That gives me a bit more flexibility I think. Might soak the ponies and feed in small hole nets to limit consumption during the night. I wont rug them so they burn more energy to keep warm, which should help their weight. I think it will be easier to soak haylage as I wont have the sneezing and sore eyes whilst I am doing their nets. I suppose its just a case of watch this space and Ill give it a try. thanks for suggestions peeps!
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Post by solomon on Oct 3, 2011 20:45:17 GMT
Hee hee! Don't soak the actual ponies!
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Post by horsecare on Oct 10, 2011 7:28:31 GMT
Definetly haylage, all of ours are on haylage, 3 thoroughbreds, a welsh pony and a gypsy cob. We use the elim-a-net haynets in the stable. If you are worried about it being too "rich" for your equines you want 1st cut which is more "stalky", 2nd cut is the broader leaf and much more fattening! If you find they are gaining too much weight and you're concerned about lack of fibre supplement with good quality straw.
As for keeping, once a bale is open you will have to keep an eye on it as it can start to heat up in mild weather if it's really cold it's not a problem. If it starts to heat just take the wrapping off completely, spread it about a bit and let it dry out. You'll need a tarpaulin to stop it getting wet if you haven't got a hay barn so you can use this to cover it and stop it getting too messy. We keep ours on a pallet.
I wouldn't soak it you'll be leaching the minerals. Basil won't cough on haylage.
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And what about the ponies doing haylage- theyve managed on lots of new and fresh pasture this year without any foot problems but are both a bit fat?
for so much hard work we thank ye!!
