The Hay Shed

The Hay Shed: farm hay for small animals

The Hay Shed is a family farming business based in Northumberland (UK) dedicated to growing, drying and packaging hay and straw for small pets. The farm is run by three brothers, Ian, James and Graeme, and has been in the family for almost a century. The company has been supplying hay to the equine sector for over a decade, experience that has allowed it to develop a shed drying system to control the quality of every bale.

Production process

The production cycle begins with growing several varieties of grass in fields that receive a balanced combination of rain and sunshine, allowing the grass to grow for up to eight months a year. When each variety reaches its optimal point of maturity and seed heads, it is mowed and immediately transported to the drying shed to prevent nutrient loss and sun bleaching. There, a drying floor controls moisture without sacrificing flavour, nutrients or green colour. Packaging removes dust and spores, which are harmful to the respiratory systems of small animals, and the product is hand-packed in recyclable boxes.

Hay range

The shop offers six main varieties of hay for daily feeding: Timothy, Meadow, Rye Grass, Oat, Green Wheat and Alfalfa. It also sells hay blend boxes and a "hay buffet" that includes tasters of all six varieties so the animal can choose its favourite or to vary the diet. The range is also organised by type of pet: rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters.

Treats and forage

The treats section includes Pumpkin Sprinkles, dandelion roots, fruit and veg mix, chamomile flowers, rose petals, marigold flowers, dandelion leaves, plantain and Flower Power Megamix. Forage options include mixes such as Leafy Autumn Mix, Calm & Comfort Mix, Multi Vitamin Mix, Superfood Forage Box, Meadow Forage Box, Herb Kisses Forage Mix, Flower Feast Forage Mix, Immunity Boost Forage Mix, Marigold & Dandelion and Chamomile & Dandelion. Barley straw is sold as bedding for resting.

Shipping and subscription

Orders placed before 11:00 are dispatched the same day with express delivery. The company offers a subscription system to receive fresh hay regularly. The site indicated a promotion of 20% off the first order when subscribing to the newsletter, subject to terms and conditions.

Sustainability and commitment to rescue centres

The farm runs on renewable energy and the packaging is recyclable, reducing its carbon footprint. The Hay Shed maintains an initiative to support animal rescue centres that includes a store credit programme and a specific donation box.

Editorial content

The website publishes articles on pet care and farm life, such as a guide on how to get a rabbit to eat more hay, which notes that hay should make up between 80% and 95% of a rabbit's diet and that a hay-only diet can be sufficient for these animals.

Location and contact

The Hay Shed, West Ancroft Farm, Berwick Upon Tweed, Northumberland, TD16 2TD · Phone: 07852 154724