Mystery of what to store bunny’s hay in?

[Shiver_Rose]

Hello binky bunny users,

I have owned my bunny about 10 months now and I am still completely unsure what to store my bunny’s hay in.  …It has been like a mystery to me lol  I’ve asked all over- veterinarians, pet shops, equine stores, referenced books et cetera.  I am still not sure.  Preferably I would like to do the most economical thing and purchase what I believe is called a bale of hay. (A large rectangular chunk about 3ft long and 1 ft wide)  This is the most cost effective option given that one can last a rabbit owner up to 3 months, at the cost of only about $6.  Since I have been unsure, I have been wasting money at pet shops buying those insanely priced packages containing tiny amounts of hay.  

Obviously storage is important for the health and safety of the rabbit.  One must prevent things such as excess moisture, mold, mildew, pests et cetera.  I live in the country so I am likely to have mice at times no matter what, and also my apartment tends to get very dusty given that it is an old building.  I have been told different things by different sources.  Some people say to use large plastic storage containers (“sweater boxes”) and leave them slightly ajar to prevent build up of moisture.  Obviously leaving the container ajar is not an option for me, given where I live.  I also have concerns with the container being toxic if it is plastic et cetera.  Others have recommended canvas hay bags.  Also not a good option given the tendency for dust to accumulate in my apartment.  Some people have even recommended plastic bags!!  (*Definitely* not a good option lol)  …So which is it?  What do I store my hay in?  And where can I possibly buy this type of container?  (Not looking for a product/store plug, just asking the right type of store.)      

[Luna]

I put Luna’s hay in cardboard boxes. I don’t like using plastic containers because plastic attracts moisture, but some people use them and poke holes in the lid. Whatever you use, the container does need a way to breathe a little.

[vanessa]

Those large cardboard storage/packing boxes sound like a good idea.

[ThorBunny]

I also keep my hay in cardboard boxes that they come in! However, I have heard of people using laundry hampers (not the kind with holes in it, the cloth kind) to store hay. This sounds like a neat idea and I may try it myself:

https://www.amazon.com/Lifewit-Folding-Clothes-Laundry-Handles/dp/B01NAI6UH2/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1494268348&sr=8-11&keywords=cloth+laundry+hamper+with+lid

There are a lot of options, probably go for something sturdy that a mouse couldn’t chew through in a hurry. Laundry is strangely similar to hay: you want it to be contained but it also needs to breathe (otherwise: mold…gross).

[vanessa]

Good comparison Thorbunny… 🙂

[Sr. Melangell]

Here hay comes in plastic bags, so plastic bins are good, it stops insects getting in when its warm weather, Olly’s food and hay are in these small bins, they get opened everyday and checked. we keep just enough in for the week.

[blubudgie]

I store the bale in a bunch of trash bags in a cool dry place (my closet).
The hay that I’m currently using I put in a plastic storage bin. I’ve never had a problem with moisture but I live in california where it’s pretty dry.

[Azerane]

I store mine in a timber storage box, a blanket box or toy box style with a hinged lid I put a seal around the edges of the lid to prevent bugs and mice getting in, and then I drilled holes in 3 of the sides and added a couple of small air vent covers (air flow, bugs out). It’s kept outside under our veranda but I haven’t had problems with mice or bugs in it.

[Gina.Jenny]

I use one of the kitchen cupboards, that big one that goes in under the corner of the worktop, its dry and handy for the daily clean-out

I did have to remove the shelf

[vanessa]

Well, i just put a bale open-air on a garage shelf. Messy. Hay everywhere. Those small expensivetidy petstore bags- my bunnies dont like them. When i bring hay inside, i stuff a grocerybag full and put iy in the “attic” of the bunny condo i built.

[Shiver_Rose]

Thank you for the input everybody.

I like the laundry hamper idea. It’s neat and tidy and a good way to store it in a small apartment.

[Author]

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