Any ideas for feeding horse while away from farm?

[Annapolismom]

Hi, I am trying to figure out an option for my father in law to feed his horses round bales but put out several at a time. He needs radiation treatment and I would like him to get it near us, but that would mean leaving his horses for a few weeks at a time for about 2 months. Even if he doesn't leave his farm, I am worried he won't have the energy to take care of it and we would only be able to get there every few weeks. So would like to find a solution either way.

Right now they go through a round bail in about 4 to 5 days. He has people who can check on them, but none of them can use the tractor to get the round bales out of the barn. Is there a way to get 2 weeks of hay out at once? I was wondering if maybe we could put 3 bails out on pallets and store with tarps over and then just have either a friend or if they stay around there, his wife take a tarp off a new one when they finish one. I have read that bails stored out side get moldy under plastic, but was hoping they would be okay with plastic for a short time.

Or if anyone has any other ideas I would appreciate it.

Thanks!

 

[Baymule]

Does he have a horse hay ring? If so, set one in the hay ring and the other two next to it. There will be waste, but that can't be helped. Whoever takes care of them could maybe give them a little feed.

 

[goatgurl]

could you put the hay out bunched into 3's so they would have to eat from the outside in of a tighter circle so it would last longer. hopefully whoever is watching them will be able to feed them. i hope things go ok for your father in law.

 

[OneFineAcre]

You can get one of those metal carports
Here a 12 x 24 is $700 installed
That's how I keep my hay dry

 

[veritastar]

Is there somewhere to store the round bales? Perhaps someone could unroll a days allowance of hay at a time and throw it in to the horses. That way they wouldn't need to move a whole bale at once. Alternatively, he could buy small bales which would be easier to handle- whoever is looking after them could throw a few bales in each day.

 

[Mini Horses]

Sounds like there are some problems for you & the in-laws.

Can you set up some portable or temporary fencing? Then you could place a couple bales on pallets to remove the tarp & open up another area for them to access.

What about water?? Is that on an auto refill or what?

No pasture?

How many horses? Squares thrown in may be a good alternative for a couple months.

 

[Bunnylady]

While this is all good advice, may I point out that this thread is a year and a half old, and the OP apparently hasn't been back since the date of origin? I'm just hoping things went well with the radiation treatment.

 

[Mini Horses]

Bunnylady -- thanks!! Ever happy to help, we just posted options without ever looking at the date.....

I hope all went well!!!

 

[MiniGoatsRule]

Ask a neighbor or friend to keep them at his/her place? Cover feed costs maybe? I hope your father does good at the hospital.