Implications of damp hay?

[Amanda1801]

So, Jeff has been back to the vets today with regards to his hooting and coughing. After discussing it with Carol the vet, she and I both think that it's to do with him eating and getting some kind of obstruction in his airways, or possibly an allergic reaction, although these aren't common in piggles.

So, the course of action we (I) have decided on, is to monitor him for now (the hooting and coughing is very intermittent) and try and work out what is actually causing it.

It seems to have been since I moved in to my new house, and the only thing thats changed, is that they are now eating hay from hay racks, and thus eating with a reasonably open airway. Jeff is now having hay from the floor, and I'm seeing that if "washing" his hay will show any improvements, in the hope that it will get rid of dust and loose bits.

He's currently tucking into his hay (It's in a bowl on the floor, and I ran it all under the tap and shook off any excess water). It's not soaked hay as such, but it is now damp.

Are there likely to be any implications of feeding damp hay (i was thinking dental wise?) It's obviously going to be changed regularly, it won't have time to go mouldy etc.

TIA

Amanda & Jeff

 

[BellasMummy]

The only thing I can think of is if the hay is damp then It might be easier for him to eat. This means that maybe his teeth won't get worn down so much? I'm not sure if its a problem or not really, I'm sure someone else will be able to help more than I can.

 

[Amanda1801]

The only thing I can think of is if the hay is damp then It might be easier for him to eat. This means that maybe his teeth won't get worn down so much? I'm not sure if its a problem or not really, I'm sure someone else will be able to help more than I can.

That was my initial thought - but then again it's not soaked, it's just been "washed off". I think I'll rinse off the "every day" hay, and invest in some of the hugely expensive, but quite coarse oxbow posh stuff for my Jeffrey. I'll also investigate how dusty and bitty the excel hay is tomorrow too....

 

[AndreaJane]

Did you use a salad spinner to dry it off?

 

[Amanda1801]

Did you use a salad spinner to dry it off?

I'm a student, I don't possess a salad spinner!

I did it the old fashioned way - kitchen roll!

 

[AndreaJane]

You should be able to pick one up cheap from somewhere like Home Bargains or B & M Bargains - it'll make your life much easier, they're far more effective than kitchen roll.

 

[doglovinpiggylover]

ha well as you know i went to the vet tonight and we had the same outcome, no signs of any illness just possible allergy.

My vet suggested just damping the hay with a water spray bottle to stop the dust, so not actually soaking it?

 

[Amanda1801]

ha well as you know i went to the vet tonight and we had the same outcome, no signs of any illness just possible allergy.

My vet suggested just damping the hay with a water spray bottle to stop the dust, so not actually soaking it?

I think what I'm doing has the same effect. I just chuck it in a bowl, cover with water, and immediately empty the water and get rid of the excess. He's just made a huge mess with it being in a bowl on the floor though rolleyes

 

[doglovinpiggylover]

lol

 

[Sue G]

I'm a student, I don't possess a salad spinner!
I did it the old fashioned way - kitchen roll!

I've got a salad spinner I don't use, if there was some practical way to post it to you - it's plastic. Do you think yards of bubble-wrap would do it?

 

[Amanda1801]

I've got a salad spinner I don't use, if there was some practical way to post it to you - it's plastic. Do you think yards of bubble-wrap would do it?

Aww thanks Sue, you're such a sweetie as always!

I actually think my mum probably has one... I doubt she eats salad now I don't live at home. Failing that, my Grandad would probably let me have his - it won't have been used since my nan went into a home!

 

[Sue G]

o.k., but if you can't get hold of one, please let me know.