The bales are usually 45-50 pounds. Haley's suggestion is good. Since you are in Kent, you may want to check the classifieds in your local papers and also some of the local feed and grain or farmer's exchanges. We get a couple local farm and dairy papers dropped off once a week and those usually have hay ads. If you call around, you may be able to get a bargain price on a broken bale (one that's come undone. You may need a contractor's trash bag or large Rubbermaid tostoreit.Your container should have some air holes in it. Make sure it stays dry and dust free. My 3 bunnies go through a bale in about 5 to 6 months. They are hay hogs.
One thing some of us in HRS have talked about is starting a hay buying coop for those of us in the northeast part of the state. We haven't really explored it but it would be a good project for someone to coordinate.
If you do decide to foster for HRS, Oxbow gives great discounts for rescue foster parents. Some of the other companies may do that as well.
Vets I use for the bunnies:
Gary Riggs, DVM
Barberton Veterinary Bird/Exotic Specialty Hospital
4873 Richland Ave.
Norton, OH 44203
Phone: 330-825-8434
Website:
http://www.exoticpetvets.com
He's great and specializes in bunnies. Right off Rte. 21 and close to I-76. He has done very complicated orthopedic treatment and surgeries with disabled rabbits.
Also go to :
http://www.animalandavianmedicalcenters.com/index.html
They have several offices and we see Dr. David Hammond or Dr. Lisa Wilson at the Brunswick office. Rte. 303 Close to I-71. Their prices are very reasonable and they have extended evening and Saturday hours. They carry and can order Oxbow products. I pay a bit less if I order through them.
For emergencies we use:
http://www.metropolitanvet.com/emergency_services.htm
These folks are the best for emergency rabbit and exotic care. They are very rabbit savvy and have rabbit specialists on call and on staff. They also have staff orthopedic, internal medicine and oncology specialists. They are very pricey but you get your money's worth in knowledge and excellent care.