Needing advice about Hay as bedding

[ChiefSuperFly]

I always buy straw and use it as nesting material and I use it for deep coop flooring. However my other half said use this hay! The horses won't eat it because it's been on the ground. So we moved it to the coop and it was moist so I've got it outside to flip it around and dry it out real good. I wouldn't dare use it unless it's completely dry but even then is it safe to use. The morning dew made it damp and I tossed out/won't use any dark spots. Thanks in advance!

 

[Rickba]

I personally don't use any wet or moldy hay. If it's been on the ground I wouldn't put it in the coops, I'd keep it on the ground for over mud spots after rain.

 

[ChiefSuperFly]

Thank you! I was thinking of doing the same- putting it outside to control the mud around the coop. Still being put to use so it makes me happy!

 

[aart]

Putting it outside can be just as much of a problem.
UNLESS it is mixed in with other dry plant matter of various sizes, shapes, and sources....or is spread out to a thin layer.
Too much of any one material can become packed into an anaerobic mass of nasty.