HORSES Pros & Cons Of Feeding Round Bales By Emily Fought | November 13, 2017 Share Round bales seem to be a hit or miss on horse farms. Some barn owners love them, while others claim they’re not worth the work. Whether you decide to give them a try or not, it’s important to always check the quality of your horse’s hay. It should be stored correctly, and a good supply should always be on hand. Pros of Round Bales Horses have access to hay throughout the day. Round bales can be cheaper for the amount of hay you’re getting. They only require replacing every few days or weeks, depending on how many horses you have. This makes them less labor intensive. Sometimes, they can be easier to find and buy. Cons of Round Bales They are heavy and require the use of a tractor to move. Round bales can produce a lot more waste. Horses tend to step on fallen hay and trample it with mud. Mud spots can develop since you can’t feed in a different place each day. There can be a risk of mold because they are exposed to the elements. They require a big storage area for keeping many at a time. You can’t divide them, so lower ranked horses may not get close enough to eat. A feeder or slow feeder net can be expensive. If you have the proper storage space, a reputable hay farmer, and keep your horses turned out a lot, round bales may be the perfect alternative to square bales. Consider your unique situation and give them a try! HORSES | barn cons cost farmer hay horses pros round bales square bales stable