Orchard Grass/Alfalfa Hay

[Reasonsmom]

Here in the south we ususally use coastal bermuda or a coastal/mix hay to feed our horses....Well due to the shortage of hay...I can't find any anywhere! Several of the local feed stores are getting hay shipped in from the more nothern states. One of the stores I use is getting in a load of Orchard grass/alfalfa mix. I know about alfalfa, and have always been leary of it due to the molding factor. Does anyone know anything about orchard grass? How much, how often, any special precautions in using it. I know that using alfalfa with coastal can cause colic, what about this hay? It seems to be my only option at the moment but I don't know anything about it. I think the man said it was coming from Illinois. Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks
Reasonsmom

[kckatt]

Well, i dont know but have you tried using round bales? Not as many people like them cause you dont know how much your horse is gettting. And my moms horse ate so much the first time we got one, but after she relized it wasnt going any where, and we wherent taking it away shes better at not stuffing herself! :rolleyes:

[littlefilly]

If you only have one horse than it would be wise to buy a bale at a time. Orchard grass molds even quicker then any other hay. Also, if you have a horse that colic's easily be careful. I prefer the alfalfa hay over the orchard any day. There is a reason for it being expensive.

[Manda]

My horse gets alfalfa, but I understand you being leery of it, as it does go bad quickly. My trainer (my horse is boarded at her barn) will drive as far as Ocala (like, an hour away) to get good quality alfalfa if our local feed stores have none. I strongly recommend it though, as it is great for them.