Argh round bale is moldy

Donna1982 · #1 10/24/12, 03:23 PM

I just let Johnny and Red out to browse for a bit while the girls are resting and notice their round bale is molding. I am freaking out, I had no idea it was molded and I have no idea if they ate any. Both are acting TOTALLY normal and happy to be out of their pen. I have to wait until the boyfriend gets home to move the stupid thing because there is no way I can fork it out. It sucks too because it was almost half a round bale.

I tried pealing some away and that was a no go. I swear I can't catch a break with hay!!!

I am watching them closely to see if they have effects from it. Remind me if I ever say I am getting another round bale smack me.

Ford Zoo · #2 10/24/12, 04:55 PM

Donna, did it come to you this way, or was it left out in the weather once you started feeding it? I only ask b/c that's all I buy, and I usually hand feed twice a day rather than leave it out in the elements.

I buy them b/c they are way cheaper than squares up this way. I buy 40-52/year from the same guy and have only had one moldy bale in 5 years.

Donna1982 · #3 10/24/12, 05:03 PM

It was left out in the rain and I think all that down pour heavy rain we had is what caused it.

Backfourty,MI. · #4 10/24/12, 05:25 PM

Sounds like with all the heavy rain & the bale being unwrapped & already being eaten on by the goats the rain soaked through it.

Don't smack yourself for buying round bales. They are usually a lot cheaper. If you could store them out of the elements like Ford Zoo does & just hand feed would probably work much better.

You sure could use a little break lately Donna! Maybe after your BF gets home & you get the hay taken care of a nice hot calgon break is just what you need!

Donna1982 · #5 10/24/12, 07:39 PM

If I didn't have a "everything happens for a reason " mind set I would if lost it long ago. Just gotta remember tomorrow is another day. We got the boys hay all cleaned up and pushed into the forest (they don't go over there. ) Tonight the girls are locked away so they can't get to theirs. Everyone seems okay and the way this was molded it was that way for a little while so if no one shows signs of being sick in the next couple days does that mean we are okay?

Sherry in Iowa · #6 10/25/12, 07:45 AM

We buy some big rounds too. Here's a couple of things we do. Lay pallets down and set the big bales waiting to be eaten on them. We set the bales on their sides, as the water doesn't go through the sides as easy as it does the center when they are setting upended.

We also throw plastic on the top bales (we stack them 2 high). The plastic is tied to tires and big rocks/bricks. Air can still circulate..which is a must..but the water can't get to them.

Best of luck..and hope things turn around soon..it seems things come in streaks.