Wet old straw bale uses?

[Mattemma]

Yesterday I was cleaning in the chicken shed,and had to remove the 7 straw bales I had put in for winter warmth. Moved one and a mouse/mole ran out.All but one bale has wetness or mold on the bottom.

Are these bales ok to spread in the run for a few days at a time,or should I just spread them directly into the yard to compost?There was only one mouse,and I am assuming that bale is full of pee from it.

Would this moldly straw be a health hazard to the hens?

 

[Dora'smom]

So far as I know, any mold is a health hazard to chickens. I would think that you could add it in layers, to a hot compost heap, but would not chance having any part of it in the chicken run. I have read of cases of one-time exposure to mold resulting in death of a bird.

 

[chickensioux]

I wouldn't risk using it on any animal. BUT, you can cut out a big hole on the top, fill it with potting soil and put a tomato, pepper, etc. plant in it. When you water it, you just soak the bale each time. Best tomatoes I ever grew I did like this.

 

[Mattemma]

Thanks! I will use some in compost,and grow something in others.

 

[Kansaseq]

mulch

 

[rcentner]

mulch is a good use, but NOT in any animal pens, mold is bad for all animals.

 

[cobrien]

I just bought some straw to use as mulch around my raised vegetable beds to keep the weeds down. I put down chicken manure, then cardboard, then straw on top (called "sheet mulching"). It makes amazing soil, as it creates a great environment for worms and other critters and keeps weeds down. Straw doesn't break down as easily or look as nice as wood chips as mulch, but it is cheap and it works. But I can't let chickens into sheet mulched areas because they end up shredding the cardboard and making a big mess.

 

[Bantimna]

Quote:
x2
Mold can be harmful for chooks, and humans.
It could be used as mulch, and compost that your chooks can dig and play in, while free-ranging- I you do free-range.

 

[FiddleChics]

Thanks for the great ideas! I was wondering what I'd do with the old bales of straw I had used around the outside of the coop for insulation this winter! I found this article that explains exactly how to utilize the straw bales, with detailed -how-to's! Figured I'd share it! I'm gonna give this a try! https://bonnieplants.com/gardening/how-to-condition-and-plant-a-bale-of-straw/

 

[chickens really]

We burn the old moulding bales...