using up moldy hay

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Can moldy hay be used as animal bedding for animals? I have goats and chickens and my hubby wants to spread this stuff in their stalls. Won't this give them pnuemonia or respiratory problems?

-- Tiffani Cappello (cappello@alltel.net), July 13, 2001

Answers

I know it can kill the goats. Lots, not just random. It would probably spread if you tried to put it under good hay. Use it for compost or mulch. :)

-- rick K (rick_122@hotmail.com), July 13, 2001.

It's not worth the risk. I know the animals will ingore if there is nice hay around but I have had sheep in "sick bay" eat their bedding instead of the hay.

-- Debbie (bwolcott@cwis.net), July 13, 2001.

Hay of questionable nature I use as mulch.

-- Debbie (bwolcott@cwis.net), July 13, 2001.

Yes, it can give all tpes of farm animals "heaves", or COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, just from the dust!

-- Annie Miller in SE OH (annie@1st.net), July 13, 2001.

Yes, it can give all types of farm animals "heaves", or COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, just from the dust!

-- Annie Miller in SE OH (annie@1st.net), July 13, 2001.


There is also the chance that some of the mold that you are growing on the hay can be aspergillosis -- which is deadly to birds when inhaled. Come to that, it can send people to the hospital too. Wear a dust mask and either compost it or mulch with it somewhere away from family and critters.

-- julie f. (rumplefrogskin@excite.com), July 13, 2001.

Use it to hill your potatoes. Makes your life easier and won't harm the critters. Life is good!

-- sheryl in ME (radams@sacoriver.net), July 13, 2001.

do not use moldy hay at all – use it for your paths, etc, but not for animals. It will surely lead to their demise (death). We own several exotic animals, and hay that is moldy is the #1 killer. micheleb@aol.c

-- Michele Bryant (micheleb@aol.com), August 03, 2001.

Using it for mulch before composting it is going to do nothing but make your garden grow hay! The seeds will sprout and you have a big ole mess! Compost it first! vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), August 03, 2001.

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