Hay On The Lawn

[Hallibut]

Hi,

This is probably a silly question, but I wanted to check. Everything says "constant access to fresh hay" for guinea pigs. Does this include when they're out on the lawn in their run? They have all the grass they can eat, but do they still need hay for digestive purposes or whatever? Or is the grass enough in those conditions?

H.

 

[AuntyC]

I usually put a couple of handfuls of hay out on the grass and usually find that the piggies will alternate between the two, then flop down on top of the hay to doze! Think it helps the roughage balance, but that might be a dim and distant memory of something I read somewhere ages ago?! Still, it doesn't do any harm and piggies an pick and choose what they like.

 

[Critter]

I don't know, but I generally put some hay out too, plus a bowl of nuggets and their water. Being as they need to eat often I like the idea of giving them the choice. Piggies seem to be good at listening to their own bodies so I tend to think it's best for them to have options

 

[Chief Guinea Pig]

Well yeah I guess it needs to be fresh, because they might have weed on it.

 

[Hallibut]

I'm feeling cruel now for not giving them hay while they're out, but it's only become an issue now they're going out for longer spells. I noticed they both started on the hay when they came back in. I will add hay and nuggets from now on. They've always had fresh water in their bottle and lots of shade.

 

[sport_billy]

I'm feeling cruel now for not giving them hay while they're out, but it's only become an issue now they're going out for longer spells. I noticed they both started on the hay when they came back in. I will add hay and nuggets from now on. They've always had fresh water in their bottle and lots of shade.

I am sure they didn't mind! grass cures all and you are thoughtful enough to find out for the future, the piggies are lucky to have such a kind slave.