Hay at the Homestead – An overview of Hay for the New Homesteader or Want-to-be Homesteader.

Today we’re talking about the importance of hay and our livestock. Hay is an essential feed for many types of livestock, including horses, cows, sheep, rabbits, and goats. It’s an important source of nutrition, providing them with necessary vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

There are different types of hay available and hay is sold in different packages. Common hay types are timothy, orchard grass, clover, and alfalfa. Each type has its own unique nutritional value, so it’s important to choose the right one for your animals.

Hay comes in many forms including large bales, rounds, and small squares, and each varies in weight depending on the farmer and the equipment. Each type of form has benefits and faults.

When it comes to feeding hay, it’s important to not overdo it. A general rule of thumb is to feed about 1-4% of an animal’s body weight in hay per day. However, this can vary depending on the type of animal and its activity level.

When choosing hay, it’s important to consider the quality. It should be green, leafy, and free of mold and dust. It’s also important to store hay properly to ensure it stays fresh and nutritious for your animals.

Hope this helps someone who is new or starting in the wonderful journey of homesteading. Just remember that hay is a valuable asset to your animals so make sure you get the right type, that it is good quality, and that you are feeding properly.

Thanks for watching. Subscribe for more about homesteading. As always, Make it a great day, folks! Bye! – Bren