How much scythe cut grass is safe to give and for how long after cutting/feeding should it be taken away?

[5]

Talking about minimum 5 inches with most blade closer to 12-24 inches.

I usually cut an ikea bags worth and pick out most weeds - dandelions get to stay.

Wont matter for much longer but the Tim argues that I am giving too much and I do not think I am.

[trubandloki]

@5

Talking about minimum 5 inches with most blade closer to 12-24 inches.

I usually cut an ikea bags worth and pick out most weeds - dandelions get to stay.

Wont matter for much longer but the Tim argues that I am giving too much and I do not think I am.

I think the answer is - it depends.

Are you feeding a horse that is used to eating fresh grass?
Are you feeding it immediately?

And I admit, I have no idea how big an Ikea bag is. Is that something standard those of us who live no where near an Ikea should know?

[clanter]

@trubandloki

I have no idea how big an Ikea bag is.

Measurements ; Length: 21 ¾ " ; Depth: 14 ½ " ; Height: 13 ¾
holds 19 gallons

FRAKTA Shopping bag, large, blue, 19 gallon

19 gallons converted to bushels equals 2.3 US bushels

https://www.convertunits.com/from/gallon/to/bushel

question would be are the cuttings compacted or loose?

for comparison

TWO-STRING HAY BALES
These hay bales usually measure around 14” high x 18” wide x 35” long and weigh 50-60 lbs

[Janet]

What is “scythe cut grass”? Like cut by the grim reaper?

[trubandloki]

Oh the things one learns on a horse forum.

[5]

No but they eat the dry version - orchard hay
Not immediately but within the hour.
Ikea bag??? 2 to 4 cubic feet (We Americans will use anything but the metric system you know)

[5]

Compacted by hand

Thanks for the size info, I was only guessing.

[5]

I am not that grim but yes, same shape of blade.

[Paisley_Pony]

My husband started using a scythe a couple of years ago because he didn’t like the noise and mess from the string trimmer. I usually only give maresie a little of it, only what I’m sure she’ll eat while I’m standing there. My fear is her leaving some of it and coming back when it’s between fresh and dried, during the dangerous phase. Years ago, a friend of a friend lost several horses at once due to being fed clippings that sat too long, but not long enough to dry out. I try to err on the side of caution.