I just bought my first bale of straw. How do I store it?

[Carolyn252]

Does it need to be under cover so rain and snow don't get to it? Will mice get into it for any reason in the summertime or winter? Can I just leave it in the run. I'll be using it to line the nest box and a little bit to add into the pine shavings on the dirt floor of the coop for the deep litter method.

 

[Frizzled]

Yes, It needs to stay dry, if not it will mold and rot. Mice do like to play in the straw and bulid nest and leave their stinky little dropping in it. My cat spends alot of time guarding mine. I would try to store it off the ground and make sure its covered at least with a good tarp.

 

[AHappychick]

can you stick it in a garage or shed, that would be bst, you dont want it getting wet

 

[jvls1942]

Quote:
just keep it dry. I stand a bale up on end in the coop and use it as I need it.. but if your chickens get at it , it will be sattered all over in no time flat.. to prevent that, put it into a large leaf/contractor plastic bag.. if it gets wet it will mold.. If you notice it getting moldy, you might as well spread it all out immediately..

you are not going to keep just one bale long enough to worry about mice..

 

[Carolyn252]

Thank you everyone.