Moldy Hay?

[spock]

Sorry, I'm a bit worried!
Had some Natures Own hay delivered on Wednesday which I bought from ebay. When I opened it, I thought it smelt a little strange, not musty, a bit chemically, just not how I remembered the last batch smelling. I can't see any black or white spots but it has a lot of brown stringy strands clumped together in the middle of the bale. I opened the second bale and its the same but I'm sure the previous batch smelt lovely and fresh. I'm going to throw it away and have ordered some directly from the Natures own website but I'm worried I've exposed the boys to potentially fatal spores/toxins.
Does anyone have any advice? They have been eating it. will it be ok to just put some pellets and ready grass until I can get to the pet shop tomorrow?
Sorry wasn't sure whether to post here or in food.

 

[Wiebke]

Sorry, I'm a bit worried!
Had some Natures Own hay delivered on Wednesday which I bought from ebay. When I opened it, I thought it smelt a little strange, not musty, a bit chemically, just not how I remembered the last batch smelling. I can't see any black or white spots but it has a lot of brown stringy strands clumped together in the middle of the bale. I opened the second bale and its the same but I'm sure the previous batch smelt lovely and fresh. I'm going to throw it away and have ordered some directly from the Natures own website but I'm worried I've exposed the boys to potentially fatal spores/toxins.
Does anyone have any advice? They have been eating it. will it be ok to just put some pellets and ready grass until I can get to the pet shop tomorrow?
Sorry wasn't sure whether to post here or in food.

Sorry about the bad batches; please complain. It can happen with large quantities that not everything is fully dried out.

Please don't panic. Your piggies should be OK even of they have nibbled on it.

 

[Veggies Galore]

Definitely don't give it if it smells a bit suspect. I wonder if it was stored near something strong smelling ? I would let the seller know if I were you .

 

[spock]

Thanks for your reply wiebke! Was freaking out a bit as read an article about rabbits that had died and how molds can release fatal toxins that can be breathed in when they're snuffling through it. Have gone through the bag again and defo no obvious mold but have binned it. Still going to be nervous for a few days though!

 

[spock]

Thanks piggyowner I will email seller and wont be buying from ebay again. There's a lot of really brown strands in the middle and it feels extra soft, maybe its been stored in someone's damp lockup and is starting to turn or maybe I'm being paranoid . I just had this gut reaction as soon as I smelt it but then started to doubt myself! When I googled moldy hay all these scary articles popped up. I'm hoping they'll all be wheeking their heads off when I go downstairs tomorrow!

 

[eileen]

i know another rescue whom had obtained a batch,it was mouldy,natures own replaced all of the hay. ive just ordered a bag of ings meadow hay from the Hay and straw company,these last two batches have been especially green.

 

[spock]

Did they originally get the hay directly from Natures Own website Eileen? This was just from a seller on ebay so I've ordered 5 bales from them directly. Hope its alright as they state you have to pay for returns!

 

[spock]

Oh and thanks for the recommendation, will have a look at their website. x

 

[eileen]

yes a whole 40 bales direct from natures own,the seller should pay the return postage as faulty,I'm sure if you contacted natures own direct it would replace all the hay.x

 

[spock]

Blimey! Oh I hope its all ok when it comes, didn't really consider that the fault could lie at the source!

 

[spock]

Thanks everyone for replying! I feel a little better but will be keeping an extra close eye on my boys for a while! Night x