How much grass should you give a guinea pig in a day? It is impossible to get hay here so is giving them grass instead ok?
Grass?
- Thread starter chilwell
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Laura-CCC4
Senior Guinea Pig
Hi chilwell,
The two main objectives of hay in a guinea pig diet are roughage, to keep the digestion running healthily and smoothly, and dental wear. The dental wear aspect mightbe maintained by feeding a good quality dried food, but really they do need at least some hay fed alongside the grass.
Whereabouts are you that it's impossible to get hay?
Grass can be fed as a main part of the diet provided they are used to it. Their systems will need time to get used to digesting grass; it's common for piggies who've not been fed grass (or much grass) before to develop diarrhea or bloat if allowed to graze on grass without limitations.
The two main objectives of hay in a guinea pig diet are roughage, to keep the digestion running healthily and smoothly, and dental wear. The dental wear aspect mightbe maintained by feeding a good quality dried food, but really they do need at least some hay fed alongside the grass.
Whereabouts are you that it's impossible to get hay?
Grass can be fed as a main part of the diet provided they are used to it. Their systems will need time to get used to digesting grass; it's common for piggies who've not been fed grass (or much grass) before to develop diarrhea or bloat if allowed to graze on grass without limitations.
I live in Turkey!
I've read on here about Timothy Hay? Do you get that from pet shops? It is very difficult to get things at all for piggies here apart from the complete foods so they have been eating that and a variety of veg and some fruit. Today they have had some grass and wolfed it down like they'd not eaten all day...!
I've read on here about Timothy Hay? Do you get that from pet shops? It is very difficult to get things at all for piggies here apart from the complete foods so they have been eating that and a variety of veg and some fruit. Today they have had some grass and wolfed it down like they'd not eaten all day...!
Laura-CCC4
Senior Guinea Pig
Ah, ok! I lived in Cyprus for a while but didn't have piggies back then, I do remember it was difficult finding much in the way of general pet supplies. Although I must admit Cyprus is a lot smaller than Turkey. 
Are there any farms who would be willing to sell you some hay? I would assume that horses and other farm animals are fed hay alongside grass, so maybe somewhere local would be willing to help out?
Timothy is a hay type, there are lots of types though - meadow, oat, brome, orchard-grass and more. Alfalfa hay is a "legume hay" which is higher in calcium and protein. Although it's not usually recommended for adult piggies, I think if it's a case of alfalfa hay or no hay, I would say go with the alfalfa hay.
Are there any farms who would be willing to sell you some hay? I would assume that horses and other farm animals are fed hay alongside grass, so maybe somewhere local would be willing to help out?
Timothy is a hay type, there are lots of types though - meadow, oat, brome, orchard-grass and more. Alfalfa hay is a "legume hay" which is higher in calcium and protein. Although it's not usually recommended for adult piggies, I think if it's a case of alfalfa hay or no hay, I would say go with the alfalfa hay.
Give the guinea-pigs as much grass as they will eat, so long as they are used to it, they can't eat too much. If they're not used to it, introduce it gradually over a period of several weeks.
In the Summer, mine are out on the grass all day from 7am until 10pm and don't really bother to eat all that much hay then; they much prefer the grass. Be careful not to feed them lawn clippings (the grass that has just been cut by a lawn mower), as it ferments too quickly and can cause bloat and death.
Are you able to put them out on in a run on the grass? It's much better if they can nibble fresh grass and saves you having to keep picking it. Just be careful to provide them with plenty of shade so they don't overheat from the sun.
In the Summer, mine are out on the grass all day from 7am until 10pm and don't really bother to eat all that much hay then; they much prefer the grass. Be careful not to feed them lawn clippings (the grass that has just been cut by a lawn mower), as it ferments too quickly and can cause bloat and death.
Are you able to put them out on in a run on the grass? It's much better if they can nibble fresh grass and saves you having to keep picking it. Just be careful to provide them with plenty of shade so they don't overheat from the sun.
I lived in Cyprus on-and-off for two years from 2006 to 2008! I lived in Limassol, whereabouts did you live?
Have you got riding stables near where you could ask where they get their hay from?
Laura-CCC4
Senior Guinea Pig
Furries - I was in Episkopi, about 15 mins west of Limassol. Close to Happy Valley. 
I was there August 2000 until June 2003; it's been a while but there are many things I miss!
I was there August 2000 until June 2003; it's been a while but there are many things I miss!
Mine have grass all the time apart from night time! We give them hay to.
I have never tried this but since hay is dried grass, do you think it would work if you dried the grass. When the field is near us is cut, the grass has been cut ends up as hay after a couple of weeks.
Hope that helps.
SRH X
I have never tried this but since hay is dried grass, do you think it would work if you dried the grass. When the field is near us is cut, the grass has been cut ends up as hay after a couple of weeks.
Hope that helps.
SRH X
Thanks, yes I have been wondering if I could do that! We live in an apartment so running around outside in fresh grass isn't an option. However they do have run of the upstairs balcony which is enclosed and has 4ft walls!
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