How to Store Rabbit Hay: The Ultimate Guide

You should store your hay in a dry & dark location to prevent mold, you should leave your hay in a container/plastic bin which prevents moisture from getting to your rabbit’s food.

Hay can get messy if not stored correctly, it can get hard to decide where and how to keep hay as we may need to top it up several times a day. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to store rabbit hay correctly.

Why Proper Hay Storage is Important

Hay is a significant source of fiber for rabbits, and it should always be readily available. However, improper storage can lead to mold growth, dust, and other contaminants that can affect the health of your bunny.

Additionally, poorly stored hay can lose its nutritional value, leading to health problems and reduced longevity in your rabbit.

How to Store Rabbit Hay

Rabbits have over 17k taste buds and can be very picky eaters. Hay makes up about 80% of a rabbit’s diet, but what do you do when the rabbit is not eating hay? That’s probably because hay does not taste appetizing to your bunny due to spoilage.

Mold and bacteria that can harm your rabbit will grow on hay without preservatives when its moisture levels are above 14 – 15%. Unfortunately, this only further accelerates mold growth as it produces heat.

Step 1: Choose the Right Storage Container

The ideal container for storing hay is a plastic bin with a tight-fitting lid. The bin should be large enough to hold the hay you need for a week or two. Avoid using paper bags, as they can easily tear, and moisture can seep in.

Step 2: Keep the Hay Dry

Hay should be stored in a cool, dry place. If hay gets wet, it can develop mold, which is harmful to your rabbit. Make sure the storage area is well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup.

Step 3: Store the Hay in a Dark Place

It’s best to store hay in the dark, away from the UV rays of the sun, to avoid damaging it. You can also keep it in dry places with good ventilation or open containers.

Step 4: Keep the hay in a ventilated area

Keeping the hay sealed tightly in a lot of humidity can cause damage because of no ventilation. Hay contains natural moisture, and preventing air from getting to it results in mold and inedible food development.

Step 5: Store the Hay Off the Ground

Placing hay directly on the ground can attract pests, and moisture can seep in, causing mold growth. Store the hay on a shelf or a stand to keep it off the ground.

Step 6: Keep the Storage Container Clean

Before adding new hay, make sure the storage container is clean and dry. Any leftover hay or debris can attract pests and lead to mold growth.

How to store Hay for winter?

On regular days, you cannot store hay outdoors. You can store hay under a cover, as the dew and snow can cause the hay to rot.

The sunshine can keep the hay dry, so you should dry the rabbit hay first and then store it in a closed place with a roof/covering.

Can you store hay in a plastic bag?

While storing hay in a plastic bag is possible, it is not recommended. Plastic bags do not allow for air circulation, which can cause moisture buildup and mold growth. Additionally, plastic bags can easily tear or puncture, exposing the hay to moisture and contaminants.

It’s best to store hay in a well-ventilated container, such as a plastic bin with a tight-fitting lid, or stack it in a dry, well-ventilated area, such as a barn or shed. Proper hay storage is crucial to ensure the hay remains fresh and nutritious for your livestock or pets.

By following the proper storage guidelines, you can ensure that your hay stays in good condition and remains safe for your animals to eat.

Tips for Storing Rabbit Hay

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when storing rabbit hay:

• If you buy hay in bulk, store it in a cool, dry place, such as a garage or a shed.
• If you live in a humid climate, consider using a dehumidifier in the storage area to prevent moisture buildup.
• Avoid storing hay near chemicals, such as cleaning products or pesticides, as they can contaminate the hay.
• When you first open a new bag of hay, let it sit open for a few hours to allow any excess moisture to escape.
• If you notice any signs of mold, such as a musty smell or discoloration, discard the hay immediately.

The do’s and dont’s of Storing Rabbit Hay

Indoor Storage

• Choose a place for hay storage that protects it from turning stale by storing it under cover in a well-ventilated building, does not leak, and has a well-drained system.
• Hay is highly flammable, so you don’t want to risk burning your barn as it’s also a source of the fire. Keep only small amounts in the barn if you cannot store hay in a particular place. You should keep the hay away from all types of machinery, heat sources, trucks, and fire accelerants such as kerosene, gasoline, and oil.
• Store hay where it’s easily accessible, ensuring it doesn’t go to waste. Don’t store hay at high places, especially when storing large round bales. Always stack new hay behind the old hay so you can feed the older hay first.
• Placing hay on the ground or concrete can lock in moisture, ruining the hay. You can use wooden pallets, tires, and telephone poles to insulate hay from the wet soil and concrete and provide some ventilation.

Outdoor Storage

• If you store hay outdoors in an open area, or in a shed with a roof then you should cover the hay with a tarp to protect it from the weather and sunlight. Sunlight happens to bleach the hay causing it to lose important nutrients such as Vitamin A and Protein.
• If you store hay outdoors without any shed, you must cover it with sturdy tarps with strong tie-downs and create a sloped top to protect it from snow and ice. The tarp should not have any rips or holes in it.
• There should be enough circulation when storing your rabbit hay in the winter. You have to ensure enough space between the bales to eliminate excess moisture.
• It is recommended to make sure that the hay stacks have enough space between them, as knowing how to store hay outdoors will help you from making any mistakes. Rabbit hay should be stored north to south, end to end, will ensure that there are 3-4 feet of distance between the hay stacks with good air circulation which will prolong its life and prevent it from getting stale.

Conclusion

Remember to choose the right type of hay, keep it dry and away from sunlight, store it off the ground, and keep the storage container clean.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your bunny always has access to fresh, nutritious hay. I hope our tips on how to store rabbit hay helps you protect your rabbit’s food for a longer period!