Timothy Hay Quality Characteristics

One of the top concerns for a small pet owner is the quality of the food they are feeding their pet. Feeding your pet sub standard hay can cause a myriad of health issues, some of which can even be fatal. Because your pet’s health is at stake you want to be sure that you are feeding your small pet quality timothy hay. In addition to the way good timothy looks, pet owners should also be concerned with smell, freshness and taste.

What does good timothy hay look like?

First, let’s consider what good timothy hay looks like. The hay should be green in color and free of any mold or mildew.  Even if the hay is tightly packed it should pull apart easily as this shows that it is nice and dry without being brittle. If the stalks break easily this could be a sign that the hay is either old or was harvested incorrectly.

What does good timothy hay smell like?

Timothy hay should smell good. While this seems subjective, if you’ve smelled rotten or old timothy hay then you’ll definitely know the difference! When you open a box or package of timothy hay it should smell pleasant and earthy. Some pet owners describe the smell as sweet or even liken it to freshly brewed tea. Though no two noses smell the same thing, it should have a nice aroma.

How long does timothy hay stay fresh?

If you have stored timothy hay correctly and purchased high-quality stalks it can last as long as 6 months if not longer. Keep the hay in a cool dark place with good ventilation. If you expose timothy hay to heat then you run the risk of mold and mildew – both of which will make the hay inedible. The best way to store the hay is to keep it in a cardboard box. Avoid covering your hay with plastic sheeting or a tarp and as this will trap moisture.

Does timothy hay go bad?

There are two basic reasons why timothy hay goes bad: it’s old or it’s been stored incorrectly. Like most plants, timothy hay does have a shelf life. If you’ve stored your timothy hay correctly then try to use it within 6 months as long as it continues to look and smell fresh. Around the 6-month mark you will need to pay close attention to your hay to make sure it’s safe for your pet. If you start to notice mold, a foul smell or the hay seems brittle, then it’s best to throw out the timothy hay. This brings us to our second reason of why timothy hay goes bad. If you have stored the hay incorrectly then it will rot. The storage area needs to be cool, dark and well ventilated.

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