Round bales

I was always told that feeding round bales increases the risk of colic.
I assumed that was because the bales were sitting out in the weather
and basically rotting. Is there a seasonal element to this? Like summer
(rain, humidity, bright sun) round bales are bad but winter (snow,
wind, really dry air) round bales are ok? Or does it just depend on
whether the bales have a "roof" and dry feet?

Wondering because the small squares are getting increasingly difficult
to find around here, therefore more expensive. I like to have hay
outside for the critters during the winter months when there is no
grass, and using the small squares is getting pricey! I have access to
good quality round bales (baled by a horse breeder/hay farmer), but, if
it's not a good idea, it's not a good idea.

Thanks!

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Ring Around the Hay Bale and
    ... determine pricing on sawdust, shavings, and hay, I started thinking about ... squares, but no one seems to use them in this area, at least not for ... I would love to hear from anyone that has used/uses round bales to feed ... enough apart for the horses to get at the hay. ...
    (rec.equestrian)
  • Re: Ring Around the Hay Bale
    ... Ruth Baltopoulos wrote: ... Obviously, they are substantially cheaper than small squares, but no one seems to use them in this area, at least not for horses, and I am wondering why? ... I would love to hear from anyone that has used/uses round bales to feed their equines as to the pros, cons, noteworthy details, best and worst, etc. ...
    (rec.equestrian)
  • Re: Ring Around the Hay Bale and
    ... farms to determine pricing on sawdust, shavings, and hay, I ... started thinking about round bales. ... substantially cheaper than small squares, ...
    (rec.equestrian)