Hayloft

A hayloft is a space above a stable or cow-shed, traditionally used for storage of hay or other fodder for the animals below. They were used mainly before the widespread use of hay bales, which allow simpler handling of bulk hay.

The hayloft would be filled with loose hay from the top of a wagon thrown up through a large door, usually some 3 metres (10 feet) or more above the ground. Cut in the floor of the hayloft were holes (sometimes with hatches), or slots, each above a hay-rack or manger in the animal housing below. The hay could then easily be thrown down through the holes to feed the animals.

Haylofts in old buildings are now generally used for other storage, or have been converted into habitable rooms.

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