Hello,

I've been lurking here while moving forward with all the info posted.
I have Copper on the emergency diet. I just bought a ton of Timothy
that I need to test because I can get more from this same
field/cutting all winter long. I've been trying to search the posts
for advice on hay probes, but haven't found much except not to use
rusty golf clubs or copper pipe. Any advice on how to make one? Or
better yet anyone in Western WA have one? I have a contractor husband
who can make just about anything, I just need some guidelines. Can you
use PVC pipe? Thanks!

Jodie and Copper

Hi Jodie,
The hay probe is made out of stainless steel. I borrow one from my county ag/extension agent and put it on a cordless drill. IF you look at www.dairyone.com you'll see what they look like and the price. Check with your area agent to see if there is one to borrow or a feed store or dairy farm. Also in the Database there is a list of folks by states that have items/services you may need ...
Mandy and Asher in VA

Thanks Mandy

A picture would help. I've already tried the extension and they thought they had one, but couldn't put thier hands on it.

Jodie

Posted by: "jvining@..."
<mailto:jvining@...?Subject= Re%3A%20hay%20probe>
jvining@... <http://profiles.yahoo.com/jvoutdoorz>
jvoutdoorz

Thu Oct 25, 2007 7:43 am (PST)
A picture would help. I've already tried the extension and they
thought they had one, but couldn't put thier hands on it.

Jodie,
Here's a site so you can get an idea what it looks like.
Basically, it's a stainless steel tube with one end jagged (the
cutting edge) and the other end with a nubbin that fits onto a
cordless electric drill. There are types that operate by hand, but I
bet they're really tough to use, so I'd suggest using one that
fastens onto a drill.
Here's a picture of a man using one:
http://www.starqualitysamplers.com/
Also, while looking for a good photo for you, in my search, I
found this site, which outlines how to test your hay and where to
have it done:
http://desertequinebalance.blogspot.com/2006_08_01_archive.html
One of the places is Equi-Analytical, which is where I bought
my hay probe and had my hay tested. I didn't know it at the time, but
apparently you get a discount on buying the probe if you have your
hay tested there, so ask them about that.
Google "hay probe" like I did, and you'll see lots of sites
with varying ones at varying prices. Equi-Analytical's site has a
PDF file you can download with very clear instructions for taking a
hay sample.
Also, search old messages. Lots has been said on this subject
many times.
Since I couldn't find a photo really showing what one looked
like in any real detail, if you still need to see one close up, I
have the one I bought and a digital camera. E-mail me privately, and
I'll take photos of it showing the cutting edge close-up, the end
that goes on the drill, etc. I can send you several pictures of mine
so you can get a good idea.
Or, everyone, would this be something others want, and I
should just take the pictures and put them in the photos section?
--

Sandy Su
ssu@...

I have a contractor husband

who can make just about anything, I just need some guidelines. Can you
use PVC pipe? Thanks!

Jodie and Copper

Hi Jodie ~
Before sampling/testing hay, read the files in folder #7 - Help With
Mineral Balancing at
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/EquineCushings/files/7%20Help%20with%
20Mineral%20Balancing/
The file on "Avoiding Hay Sampling Errors" has links to the NFTA site
which has detailed information on taking good samples and hay probes.
A good probe has a stainless steel barrel with a hardened steel cutting
tip.

Patti K
Vail AZ

Here's a site so you can get an idea what it looks like.

Thanks Sandy Su. My very creative husband went to the hardware store and bought a new piece of steel pipe, cut the teeth and bent the end other end so it would fit over a flat 1" drill bit and voila! My hay has alredy been sent and I should hear shortly.

Jodie

Posted by: "jvining@..."
<mailto:jvining@...?Subject= Re%3A%20hay%20probe>
jvining@... <http://profiles.yahoo.com/jvoutdoorz>
jvoutdoorz

Thu Nov 1, 2007 5:56 pm (PST)
My very creative husband went to the hardware store and bought a new
piece of steel pipe, cut the teeth and bent the end other end so it
would fit over a flat 1" drill bit and voila! My hay has alredy been
sent and I should hear shortly.

Jodie,
Wow! Your husband is a keeper. You just saved about $100 on a
hay probe. Others have tried to make them w/o much success. Maybe you
should post detailed instructions for other do-it-yourselfers?
--

Sandy Su
ssu@...