Identifying Moldy Hay?

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Gizi

Gizi

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Hello, So not so long ago I posted a thread about moldy hay and what I should do. I got great answers and I am really thankful, I still kept it though and didn't take it back to the store because I am starting to think the hay isn't moldy and The one I am feeding them now is! It smells fresh and looks green with very few yellow hays in it, I thought it was moldy because it had black spots on it. It also did not feel wet. The hay I am feeding them now has no black spots but has lots of black hay and hay with white puffy things inside it.... it also doesn't feel wet, With the white puffy things I only found it in some hay so not all of it. (In the thicker hay pieces) I need some advice on how to identify moldy hay and what hay o you think is moldy?
 
Hopefully someone with more experience will be able to help but if hay smells musty I think it is "off". I also would definitely not feed hay with white furry/fuzzy things on it as you describe - that doesn't sound right at all.

I'd be wary of just picking those bits out - isn't mould spores like fungal? It would be on the "good" bits of hay in the same pack too even if you can't see it.
 
Could you get a picture @Gizi ? I am no expert either but am also hoping that if we get some answers from more experienced forum members.
 
Any hay with black spots is mouldy. It doesn't always have to have a musty smell but the black spots are spores and can be harmful. If it is shop bought hay it could be that the hay has been sweating due to been in a plastic bag or it has been kept in damp conditions x
 
rosie and bramble said:
Any hay with black spots is mouldy. It doesn't always have to have a musty smell but the black spots are spores and can be harmful. If it is shop bought hay it could be that the hay has been sweating due to been in a plastic bag or it has been kept in damp conditions x
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but the hay is not damp?
 
Gizi said:
but the hay is not damp?
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It may have got damp and dried out again. I bought a bag of hay from the pet shop a couple of weeks ago. When I opened the bag, the hay felt a bit damp. I wasn't happy with it so threw it away.
 
sounds like both bags are off. petshop hay is really bad quality anyway and sweats in the plastic. definitely throw it and replace. :)
 
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