Hay options

[Idris]

We were supposed to have a Meadow hay delivery from HayBox before Christmas (‘ready’ for collection by Whistl on Monday 21st). As they weren’t picking up the phone or replying to email I have given The Little Hay Co a try. Ordered yesterday before 1pm and arrived today at 7.20am so will be testing their Cotswold Sweet and Silky Soft hays alongside the HayBox Timothy hay.

We’ve used HayBox for a few years now and hope they can solve their issues. DPD are reliable but have the habit of messaging me at 6am to say it’s en route (which I don’t see) and waking me up when the door bell rings- no I am not an early riser, it was still dark!

Not using so much since the bunnies passed away in the autumn and yet to settle into a new routine for Dobby and Chips. The boys will be 3 years old in the new year.

 

[Idris]

Silky Soft going down well!

 

[Idris]

 

[Spaniel]

Looks like they’re enjoying that

What is the quality like? Does it seem more like a plain meadow hay or a bit richer? I’ve actually not long emailed them to ask. I need a soft bedding hay but one that’s more bland rather than rich for eating otherwise Perry’s poops become too soft. He’s also on a low calcium diet

 

[Idris]

Quality seems good- a mix of green and brown. Not ultra long but a bit hard to tell as I went for the compact 4kg bags so need to drag it out of the bag. HaxBox meadow used to be very long and excellent for burrowing but similarly shorter stems now. It is described as early cut softer meadow hay (mix of Timothy, rye and fescue). They say the orchard hay (not opened yet) is more Rye grass so possibly different calcium content? There is a thread somewhere on here with the different hay types and their nutritional value plus some supplier links.

 

[Spaniel]

The Little Hay Company said they recommend the basic meadow hay for pigs who need lower calcium levels like Perry

 

[piggieminder]

A Comprehensive Hay Guide for Guinea Pigs (incl. providers in several countries)

 

[Idris]

Still haven’t heard back from HayBox so have just held the next order as still waiting for the last one.

 

[Idris]

Still haven’t heard back from HayBox so have just held the next order as still waiting for the last one.

Called HayBox on Wednesday afternoon as emails unanswered. Timothy hay delivered yesterday, Thursday, at 7.05am (!) and Orchard hay sample arrived lunchtime today (Friday). The boys eat both but the Timothy blend is their favourite. Will probably give the Little Hay Co Timothy hay a try - good to know that there’s an alternative at short notice.

 

[Lorcan]

Wiebke brought some Little hay to the Potteries christmas fair in 2022 because none of hers would eat it and I ended up coming home with it - it was not soft hay. It was softer than their usual timothy from Happy Hay but it was still very stalky which is why they loved it, lol. If they prefer soft blends I would get a smaller box or a sampler first, just in case.

 

[piggieminder]

Little Hay have got a 2nd cut Timothy which will be softer than the usual 1st cut. I'd be ordering it myself but we are drowning in hay at the moment trying to find something the little darlings will eat in large quantities without looking at me like 'this is not what we expect and not up to our standard'!

 

[Idris]

Boys enjoying their HayBox Meadow and Timothy Hay today. Latest delivery received yesterday so they seem to be back on track.

 

[Suki&Indie]

Boys enjoying their HayBox Meadow and Timothy Hay today. Latest delivery received yesterday so they seem to be back on track.

I have to make a hay order soon and I’m dreading it because my ladies are so fussy! Is the haybox timothy soft? Last time I ordered it was very stalky and they refused to eat it

 

[Idris]

I have to make a hay order soon and I’m dreading it because my ladies are so fussy! Is the haybox timothy soft? Last time I ordered it was very stalky and they refused to eat it

We go for the ‘blend’ which is a mix of their stalky coarse cut and the leafy soft cut versions. Ours love the seed heads but are thankfully not too fussy!