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My neighbour gave me a bale of hay the other day. She had been given it for her rabbit, but it hasnt been 'treated' or something so she doesnt want to give it to the little dear

At first I thought I would use it under the strawbs as I havent got any straw yet, but then realised it would be full of grass and weed seeds so I chucked it in the chicken run. They dont care at all. Apart from standing and pooping on it they havent bothered to scratch it around.

So what to do ? Guess I could freecycle it, apart from the chook poopy bits, or could I soak it in a bucket for ages and then compost it ? Anyone want a bale of hay ? !!!!

I hate to be crude, but have you thought about pissing on it?? Urine is great for activating compost and you'll save on water, too. Interesting bbc article here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/camb ... 357134.stm

I'm not sure what constitutes as Hay in the UK? in my area, it is typically alfalfa and when it gets wet, it really stinks. I would NOT use it like straw, ie. around strawberries. I would compost it. mix some fresh grass clippings, some freshly composted soil, and water.

SusieGee wrote:Make a hay box and have a go at cooking the Sunday roast? I always fancied having a go at that myself.

I was just thinking about doing that, but I don't have any hay

I use it in the hen nest boxes, over the asparagus plants to winter or around fruit trees to hold in moisture...but usually the horses just quickly eat it!

I was always told not to use hay for hens as it tangles round their legs, and not to use straw for rabbits as it scratches their eyes. So I buy straw for hens and hay for rabbits. I always keep hay in the bottom of the egg collecting container too, so that it's a bit padded and protects the eggs.

have you put the whole bale for the chickens, or have I misunderstood?

give them just a few handfuls at a time, so they can scratch and get to the various seeds.
know anyone with pigs? they love to break up a square bale!

If you were nearer me, I'd give it a home!

SusieGee wrote:Make a hay box and have a go at cooking the Sunday roast? I always fancied having a go at that myself.

oooh yes, I tried it having watched the victorian kitchen, was very good indeed, I still use it. Trick is to make sure your food has come up to the boil before you put it in