Hay changes

[Hannah_xx]

‘Hay’ everyone!

I usually feed the squiggles the same hay that we feed the horses, quality depending of course.
We had the same batch for many months which the pigs enjoyed and seems good forage for them. However we have since had a couple of different smaller batches from different places recently as hay was hard to source and expensive. We are now using some cheaper bales that we found locally. I think it’s a mixture of regular grass and native grasses I recon. It’s looks recently cut and very fine.. not guinea pig appetising, according to my pigs anyway! (The horses like it at least).
So I’ve been buying a few pet shop bags of hay recently. The last one was quite green meadow hay that they loved, but was concerned it was contributing to Opals upset tummy onset’s.
Today I bought a bag of Oaten hay. It was all I could find. The pigs love it, I’ve only given them a bit so far.

my question is, Is it likely to cause tummy upsets with all this changing of hay? And is Oaten hay okay to feed 24/7I’ve mixed it in with the other stuff but they don’t eat that anyway, only the new Oaten.
So I was more concerned they weren’t eating enough hay since we got the new stuff a few days ago.

here they are in their floortime hay box,


And on a side note, The pigs got lights today! (Excuse the floortime set up!)
A

 

[piggieminder]

I can't really answer your question about hay but your set up and piggies are lovely. I've just been using five different types/brands of hay trying to get my poorly piggies to eat and have not noticed a problem with my fit piggies who are eating all types often mixed together!

 

[Swissgreys]

Like you I mix what I can get, and I think the piggies actually like the variety.
I get the odd bag that no one will touch, but if they are eating it then I am happy.
I really don't think hay (as long as it isn't mouldy or treated with something ) would be likely to cause tummy upsets.

Love the lights - your set up is great.

 

[Hannah_xx]

Thank you for the replies. My mind is now at ease that the change won’t do them any harm

 

[Ellie-May]

‘Hay’ everyone!

I usually feed the squiggles the same hay that we feed the horses, quality depending of course.
We had the same batch for many months which the pigs enjoyed and seems good forage for them. However we have since had a couple of different smaller batches from different places recently as hay was hard to source and expensive. We are now using some cheaper bales that we found locally. I think it’s a mixture of regular grass and native grasses I recon. It’s looks recently cut and very fine.. not guinea pig appetising, according to my pigs anyway! (The horses like it at least).
So I’ve been buying a few pet shop bags of hay recently. The last one was quite green meadow hay that they loved, but was concerned it was contributing to Opals upset tummy onset’s.
Today I bought a bag of Oaten hay. It was all I could find. The pigs love it, I’ve only given them a bit so far.

my question is, Is it likely to cause tummy upsets with all this changing of hay? And is Oaten hay okay to feed 24/7I’ve mixed it in with the other stuff but they don’t eat that anyway, only the new Oaten.
So I was more concerned they weren’t eating enough hay since we got the new stuff a few days ago.

here they are in their floortime hay box,
View attachment 128505

And on a side note, The pigs got lights today! (Excuse the floortime set up!)
View attachment 128504A

Beautiful set up! I found that my guinea pigs didn’t like the burgess Timothy hay, but they love meadow hay! They go through so much of it. I haven’t tried any other brands of Timothy hay or other hay in general, but I would think that variety is a good thing and makes it more interesting for them. As long as they are eating then I wouldn’t worry

 

[Piggies&buns]

I agree - variety is often good, so no I don’t think it would cause tummy issues.
My two have meadow hay and Timothy hay from one supplier, but if gets low before my next delivery, then I just get whatever I can find at my local pet shop!