How do I store my hay?

Please don't store it in a plastic bag, even if you used one for transport. Take it out, find a better solution based on the following.

When storing your bulk hay, the two most important criteria are:

1. Store in a dry location. Away from any dampness or extreme changes in temperature.
2. Store in an appropriate container. We highly recommend you use a plastic storage tote with holes drilled throughout as this seems to be the most convenient, waste-free and economical option, which will also provide adequate air flow for your hay while keeping it farm fresh for your sweet furball(s).

Other adequate options are: reusable shopping bag (for smaller amounts), cardboard box, or lawn waste bags.

Storing your hay in an airtight plastic bag, will almost inevitably allow it to start growing mould. Especially if bringing it from very cold temperatures, into the house where the temperature will climb and create condensation as it makes the temperature transition. If you have absolutely no choice but to store in a plastic bag, do ensure that you create (many, several, a lot!) of perforations to allow for adequate breatheability.

I found bugs, twigs, prickly weeds, or, etc! Can I get a refund or exchange?

Please understand that you are purchasing a farm product, straight from the actual farm, delivered by the real live farmer ♥ While we prepare your orders by hand and make every effort for your items to arrive in clean and tidy state; hay, branches, and other natural products you purchase from us are stored in a barn, and delivered to your porch (in most cases). Bugs, dirt, twigs, weeds, flowers, and other natural environment matter are a normal part of purchasing straight from a farm. Yes, bare hay bundles will leave a little evidence on the ground as we transfer from our vehicle to your porch. Yes, we'd be happy to bang the bundle on our tire before we get to your door to minimize on hitchhikers (spider or other bugs). Yes, we can pop the hay into a bin/tote/box you placed on your porch ahead of time for us!We aim to please, but we can't please all, or always!!!Our prices reflect this reality, in comparison to products purchased from other businesses or a store front, which are typically handled and packaged in a warehouse in high volume.Please review our Refund and Exchange Policy before placing your order ;-)

What's what between 1st and 2nd cut?

Both 1st and 2nd cut from the same spectacular small animal dedicated, variety specific fields on our farm !

The differences between the two are:

• 1st cut - harvested early to mid-summer, coarser/firmer stem, minimal leaf content, high fiber content, plenty of seed heads, golden green color, some leaf browning is normal - this is the hay that most often gets you the "golden nuggets"
• 2nd cut - harvested late summer to early fall, softer stem, plenty of leaf content, high fiber content, some seed heads, deeper green color, some leaf browning is normal

Why is there brown/dead hay?

Our hay is grown, harvested, naturally sun cured and field dried, then stored, hand bundled and delivered. All right here, in Cumberland, Ontario!

Brown or "dead" looking hay amongst all the green and "fresh" looking hay is normal for our climate region. On top of that, the following will ALL have an effect on the appearance of the hay:

• the conditions in the spring (growing season),
• the conditions in the summer (during harvest),
• the maturity point at which we were able to harvest,
• how long it needed out in the field to dry after cutting,
• the hay variety (Timothy, Orchard, Meadow, etc.), and
• the chosen "cut".

But the overall quality and nutritional content remains very similar even if the appearance varies from year to year. We keep a bale or two of each hay variety from the year prior, to do a comparison check every new harvest year, and then update the product descriptions when launching the new crop.

We are at the mercy of mother nature, like all other types of farms :-)

Again, our prices reflect this reality, in comparison to products purchased from other vendors, who may:

• source out the hay and resell to you;
• use hay driers to force the drying process mechanically,
• use pre-emergent herbicides, and/or;
• preservative sprays during harvest.

What about delivery?

Yes. We currently deliver on Thursdays across the city. Depending on order volume, order spread that week, weather, harvest activities, and family obligations, we may get in touch with you to arrange an alternate date. If we plan to come early (like Wednesday evening), we'll normally call you, otherwise keep and eye on your email (and junk folder) on Thursdays for updates!

You can also find more detailed information on our Delivery Info page.

Is delivery free?

It is now!!!! Starting in August 2022, we now offer free delivery for orders over $30, up to 60kms - as the crow flies - from our pickup location.

You can also find more detailed information on our Delivery Info page.

Have we offered you a custom delivery option?

We aim to please, so if you have a special request let us know using our Custom Quote request form and we will get back to you asap with our availability/options.

Got more questions?

We'd love to hear from you! Please feel free to send us your questions, comments or feedback. We also love getting photos of your lovely bunny rabbits, guinea pigs and other herbivore small pets.
Contact us at: info@sparrowfarms.ca