But keep in mind that the bale garden beds will need to be rebuilt every season ... says Karsten. Can you use hay instead of straw? No, you should avoid using hay instead of straw.

They provide warmth and a soft bed for laying eggs; and because of their sturdy structure, hay bales are great for making temporary walls or small rooms for corralling your feathered friends.

A K-9 officer and his black Lab, Jake, responded. Officials found the truck with at least one hay-bale in the bed and the driver gone. Jake was very interested in the bale, but his handler called him ...