The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Smallholding => Buildings & planning => Topic started by: caz on September 07, 2015, 12:10:03 pm
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What type of barn is best for housing square bales of hay? I need to keep costs down as much as possible so tge least foundations/groundwork that needs doing the better. Does it need verticle wood slats that have gaps between each slat for ventilation? I can't have an open sided structure as it would end up knicked or the kids would be in setting fire to it so I need something secure from oportunists.
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We store ours in a pole barn. Good ventilation helps keep the hay fresh. I recommend leaving a 30cm gap around the edge of the bales so you can bait for rats - just the kind of cosy hotel they prefer for the Winter. I think you're referring to Yorkshire boarding for the sides?
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Thanks for the reply. Yes that's it Yorkshire boarding. Is that what I need for hay? I've heard of hay spontaneously combusting and would like best barn from the outset to avoid this if it's possible.
Is a soil floor ok? Obviously we will sit the hay on pallets or something so it's not directly on the floor.
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It goes on fire if its made wet rather than due to the barn design
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Caz ,roughly how many bales of hay are you looking to store ??
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I'd say no more than 500. Just wanting to build the most suitable , practical building from the outset.