Hay??

[Cryss]

A friend gifted me with a bale of hay thinking I could use it in my nests. I accepted it knowing that hay isn’t straw. So, now I am wondering if I dare find a use for it. I know it’s full of seeds so I don’t want it germinating in my garden as mulch. Whereas straw is hollow and holds warmth, hay is solid and holds moisture. It cans go moldy. And if I understand correctly if eaten it can cause crop impact ion. The flock might like nibbling the seeds though. So, what can I safely use this hay for?

 

[The Happster]

I use the hay from my field for my birds.
I do refresh the sheds very often - as much as once a day in some small sheds.

I've not had a problem yet.

 

[Augie1]

A friend gifted me with a bale of hay thinking I could use it in my nests. I accepted it knowing that hay isn’t straw. So, now I am wondering if I dare find a use for it. I know it’s full of seeds so I don’t want it germinating in my garden as mulch. Whereas straw is hollow and holds warmth, hay is solid and holds moisture. It cans go moldy. And if I understand correctly if eaten it can cause crop impact ion. The flock might like nibbling the seeds though. So, what can I safely use this hay for?

Since It's grass throw it into the run and let the chickens peck at it or compose it

 

[Cryss]

@azygous is this hay a threat to crop impaction?

 

[Augie1]

@azygous is this hay a threat to crop impaction?

There is a risk with hay impaction

 

[azygous]

Hay, especially hay with long stems, is capable of contributing to crop impaction. Alfalfa is very nutritious and chickens love it. There is nothing wrong with giving it to them, but it's best to ration it as you would any treat so they aren't as likely to overdo it.

Further, chopping it into short pieces will make it safer. If it's damp, be sure to watch any remains for mold. I prefer dried alfalfa for this reason.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I use hay for my nests. It's never been a problem. If it stays dry it won't mold. I don't have a problem with chickens eating it.

Hay will have seeds. What kinds of seeds depends on what kind of hay. I don't know what your garden is like, with your climate certain seeds might not be that big of a problem if the plant freezes out in winter, like a green manure crop. I do hate grass in my garden.

I assume you are talking about one of those small 50 to 60 pound bales? Since you appear to be unwilling to use it around your chickens and don't want to use it as mulch I'm having a problem coming up with a good use for it. The best I can come up with is to put it on your compost pile. If you turn it a lot maybe you can cook most of the seeds but yeah, some seeds will probably be in your compost. I never turn mine enough to get all of them.

If you have a gully eroding, maybe spread it in there and weigh it down with tree limbs to keep it from washing away.

Use it for Halloween or Thanksgiving decorations.

It's hard to come up with ideas when I have no idea what you have to work with.

 

[aart]

A friend gifted me with a bale of hay

My first thought......
Is it fresh cut and stored dry?