I have had multiple queries about hay and all that lurks inside during the past bit. Remove anything that is not Hay – incl feathers etc!
While hay is absolutely nevessary for your rabbit, it can also cause some severe issues if you do not watch it.
Today I specifically want to talk about mould. Mouldy hay can lead to some really severe problems. When you open your new bag of hay, smell it first. If it smells “mushroomy” or “earthy /muddy” there are good chances that there may be mould inside.
Esp the people living in the Western Cape has had some severe problems with mould, due to the high winter humidity.
Mould does not only go on hay, however, and you seriously need to watch your home too! At the backs of closets, on the roofs esp in bathrooms, even on grout. Mould grows everywhere.
Mould is breathed in, and spores go and lie in the sinusses and lungs, causing allergic reactions and infections. When infections start esp in the lungs, pneumonia can happen super fast and even sometimes undetected by the best. Your rabbit may not always couch and sneeze. Sometimes the reaction causes excessive fluid and pressure in the lungs.
Aspergillis is one of the leading moulds that lead to death, causing capilaries to burst, and bloodfilled lungs, which basically drown your rabbit. If you suspect your rabbit may have a mould infection, please make an appointment with your vet to listen to the lungs. In many cases xrays of the lungs are taken if your vet hears anomalies. Sick rabbits with mould infections of the lungs often goes unnoticed, so make sure that you watch closely every day if your rabbit breathes easily.
Mould is a natural part of our world, and can be seen as black, white, green and orange/yellow spots mostly.
Mould in hay: not all your hay will be infested. Remove all the pieces with mouldy spots, and throw it out in a plastic bag, knotted and sealed, if you cannot burn it. We have sprayed hay with f10, and then sprayed with water and left to dry in the sun with very good results. You can also spray applecider vinegar on hay, and rinse-spray and let it redry.
Normal white vinegar in the household can be used to kill of mould on walls, roofs, wood, leather etc. Spray, let dry, and wipe with a moist cloth. You may need to respray hardy spots a few times.
Clay cat litter in a container placed in cupboards greatly help eliminate mould, and used teabags stuffed into the toes of sneakers, boots and shoes, can protect your shoes.
When you get your hay, store it is a safe and dry area, or place in a bin if you see the hay is nicely dried. More moist hay needs to be opened so it can breathe and dry. Let the sun in on it! Sun is the very best antidote for mould!