hay is probably stored in plastic bags because that is a cheaper option.. if you notice, most brands of hay have holes in the plastic bag for the hay to breathe

but it shouldn't be stored in the plastic bag for too long. i always see the hay slowly turning yellow in petshops. i store my hay in cardboard boxes like this: http://furrybutts.wordpress.com/2008/06/25/how-to-store-hay/

the hay remains fresh. none have turned yellow yet.

i don't keep GPs.. but for my bunnies, i buy 1 week's supply of vege, and store in fridge without washing (wash only before i cut and feed to my bunnies). washing the vege first, or storing it outside, makes the vege go soft very fast.. not fresh anymore

diarhea wouldn't be caused by cold vege.. but certain vege, e.g. white lettuce, and other vege which are very light green or white in colour, have higher water content. this will cause diarhea

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Added on July 23, 2008, 11:04 pmcan, i mix many types of hay together because different types of hay require different chewing motions.. so feeding a mix of hay helps to wear the teeth down more evenly.

the only thing is whether your GP should be eating as much alfalfa hay as timothy hay? for me, i keep my alfalfa hay separately because my rabbits are adults already and they mustn't eat a lot of alfalfa hay which is high in protein (too much protein can cause obesity and also sometimes, digestive issues). so i only give them one handful of alfalfa hay twice a week as treats.

This post has been edited by 11Jan: Jul 23 2008, 11:04 PM

don't think so.. can still smell mine hehe

yea, can a bit more holes in the sides of the box would allow hay to breathe better