I soak the hay in three batches for three meals. I smell the hay
before I feed and it does not smell sour. I soak it in the barn in
cold water. The water is still cold when I take the hay out. I use
two different tubs so he doesn't get the same tub for each meal, the
tubs are cleaned and dry for the next meal. I have large double
stainless steel sinks that are rinsed well before and after I soak the
hay. The baskets I use to soak are also rinsed before and after.