Damp hay

[Sean A.]

Countertops....to put stuff on....i assume.

OK thanks

 

[Devonviolet]

Yup! To put stuff on. We are on our way to town . . . last minute groceries for Thanksgiving Dinner. When we get home, I will try to remember to take a couple photos.

 

[Devonviolet]

Goats and metal sheds can be a problem, they like to scratch and rub on everything. I was use the metal shed for the hay and build a kidding pen from wood.

Fortunately, our shed is outside the goat yard. I'm guessing the walls would be all caved in, by now, if the goats could get at it.

 

[Devonviolet]

Here is our feed shed. It is 9'×9'. So it is bigger than yours.

If you look closely, you can see one of the two vents over the door. We have two similar vents on the opposite wall.

This shows the countertops on the left side of the shed. DH put it at waist height (36"?) & used 2×4's to support it

The chickens saw me in the shed & were hoping for a handout of some chicken scratch.

 

[Sean A.]

Do you close it up at all.

 

[Devonviolet]

Yes, two doors slide together in the middle.

In Summer, when it is hot and dry, we leave it open, for good airflow. When it rains or is cold, and of course at night, we close it.

 

[sonorabitandspur]

I have horses which also do not handle moldy hay. As far as I know we used to feed hay with small amounts of mold to cattle with no problem but that really is not good for them either.
The big thing is that the hay gets to dry out from the indirect dampness from fog. The cover will help when the fog is there and if left open when sun is out will allow moist air to escape. 3 months, of getting damp and drying will probably get some blackspot mildew which I would not feed. Throw it in your compost and keep clean hay. A little waste is easier to pay for than a vet.