Hay

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Little M

Little M

Teenage Guinea Pig
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I went to the farm shop yesterday to get a couple of bales of hay, Does the hay have to be stored for approx 4 months before you can give it to the piggies, like you have to with horses? I dont know where they had brought it from but it was quite damp not wet but looks like it had not long been baled. They said there was a hay shortage and didn't know when they'd be getting any more. i have reserved a couple of bales and have have room to store it, i just wanted some advise first. I bet the cost of hay and straw will rocket shortly :D
 
hi
i'm not sure how long, but if it's damp, you definitely need to let it dry out first, and you'd also need to make sure it doesn't go musty/mouldy. i'm not sure how long it would take though, sorry. :-\
 
I've never had problems feeding New Hay but let that hay dry then leave it for a good 2 wheeks to make sure anything living has died off- the damp keeps them hydrated ::)
 
karenrgpr said:
I've never had problems feeding New Hay but let that hay dry then leave it for a good 2 wheeks to make sure anything living has died off- the damp keeps them hydrated ::)
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I agree, I always use new cut hay but not until its dried out, the piggies usually go crazy for it 8)
 
If things get really bad then I am seriously considering making my own - I have access to a large area of grass which I can cut using a tractor (which my uncle will have to do). Then its just drying it. If I could get some big covered area to dry it out, our piggy population will be ok this year!
I made some last year just to see how it turned out & it was lovely but quite dusty/pollen'y'. I did think of tumble drying it on cold in an old dryer I have to see if I could have my own brand of dust extracted hay!
This was dad & I last year making it. It smelt divine. It did help having glorious sun to dry it out in 24 hours though....come on summer
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I don't know, try it and see. I couldn't be bothered with hay making because there are enough farmers out there to it :)
 
That is such a good idea! Fab pics too!

The OH recons the tumble dryer would work :)

At least it would set your mind at rest to know you have good quality hay, and keep you reeeally fit by the looks of it! Hard work! ;D ;D
 
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