Orchard Grass Hay vs. Timothy Hay

[ILoveGilbertTheGuineaPig]

Hi everyone!

I was looking to switch my piggies from timothy hay to orchard grass for a couple of reasons.
1) I think they would like it more and waste less
2) I was hoping it would be a little less crumbly/dusty than the timothy hay I've been getting
3) I like that it's softer because one of my girls gets hay poke a lot and this way I can also use it for bedding
With all that in mind, I was wondering if there are any downsides to it. I was looking at the nutritional content and hay comparison charts and saw that it had a lower Ca : P ratio and also higher protein. I was worried this could be a nutritional issue in the long run. My last concern is that it will not wear down their teeth enough since it's softer. I know many people use it as an alternative to timothy hay because of allergies, so I'd love to hear from you guys!

Thanks in advance!

 

[Piggies&buns]

Any grass hay is fine for them to eat. Timothy is good at wearing down the teeth though as it is coarse. Do you offer the hay in a rack? It can help reduce haypoke risks.

My own personal feeling is that I don’t use just one type of hay. I find that variety of hays helps to keep them interested and I notice my two eat a lot more hay if I mix different types which also helps keep them occupied.

As to whether you would waste less, particularly if you are going to use it as bedding I think depends hugely on your set up. Any bedding hay will be pee’d on so will need throwing away daily if wet.

 

[ILoveGilbertTheGuineaPig]

Any grass hay is fine for them to eat. Timothy is good at wearing down the teeth though as it is coarse. Do you offer the hay in a rack? It can help reduce haypoke risks.

My own personal feeling is that I don’t use just one type of hay. I find that variety of hays helps to keep them interested and I notice my two eat a lot more hay if I mix different types which also helps keep them occupied.

As to whether you would waste less, particularly if you are going to use it as bedding I think depends hugely on your set up. Any bedding hay will be pee’d on so will need throwing away daily if wet.

I do offer it in a rack! But some of it also falls down so I think miss Eclair somehow pokes her eye with it. If I mix it, I worry they will be picky about it and only eat one type, but I am considering that. Thank you!