Newby! Is horse hay/ straw safe to use?

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shazzarazza

Hopefullly we should be getting a couple of rescue gpigs in September so wanted some advice.
I have access to unlimited horse hay, straw and dust extracted sawdust at my work which I am allowed. Just wanted to check that this is all safe for gpigs to have.
The hay is of good quality and the straw is soft and yellow not dusty.

Any advice would be gratefully recieved.
Bit nervous about getting them as never had any before so having to read up lots about them.
 
Welcome to the forum! :)

Straw isn't safe for piggies unfortunately. Because its quite thick, hard and pointy it can sometimes poke pigs in the eyes!
Hope that helped.

Sophie x
 
Thanks useful to know... had read the same for rabbits too! Thanks for getting back to me
 
Hi, welcome to the forum :)

As the previous post says, I wouldn't use straw, the best hay is Timothy Hay if you can find it. I use Dust Free Hay www.dustfreehay.com and we've been fairly happy with it, we mix it with Oxbow Timothy Hay which is quite pricey, so we dilute it with the Dust Free Hay!

As for bedding - many people don't think shavings are good for pigs as they can be really dusty which can cause respiratory problems and have a lot of oils and are highly absorbant which can dry out the piggie's skin, however, lots of people say they don't have a problem with shavings. If you have access to equine products, you may be interested in Aubiose which is a hemp product and sells for about £8 a sack which should last a fair while.
 
Hi shazzarazza and welcome to the forum.

I bet you are looking forward to getting your rescue piggies in September!

No, as Sophie1307 said, straw is no-go for piggies because it can hurt their eyes. Good hay is a must ... soft, fresh and not dusty.

Sawdust also is not recommended for them because it might get in their eyes. I use wood-shavings, although many members don't on this forum.

I am sure that you will find lots and lots of friendly and good advice on here. Don't be afraid to ask.
 
Welcome to the Forum.

I also use Timothy Hay, and buy dust extracted shavings - which they love to burrow into. Let us know when you get your piggies.

Sue
 
Thanks guys.

I think the hay is meadow hay so might be able to use some of it. Will have to look out for timothy hay and aubiose at my pet suppliers.

Looking forward to getting some piggies....definitely rescues! Have a few potential places nearby. Hopefully will get cage and run this weekend and then get two homeless piggies!

Be prepared to be bombarded with tonnes of questions though!:))
 
Good luck with the pigs and well done for doing research before you get them and for thinking rescue! Meadow hay will be lovely for them :)
 
I have used bed-down traditional (short cropped straw) which is a horse bedding for the past 18 months with no problems :)
 
Good luck with your new piggies when you get them. Having kept piggies on and off for 20 years they are a total joy to have.

Going to a rescue is such a kind thing to do. Far too many unwanted pets in this world :) Its a nice feeling when you give a home to a rescue animal
 
Bed Down

i also use Bed Down from a local suplier, you can get a huge bale for £5 which will last for ages, the Guinea's seem to love it.
Chris
 
Welcome to the Forum

I changed over to www.dustfreehay.co.uk as one of mine had allergies.

I only use this now, and it smells so lovely too!

Do not use Straw, as others have mentioned!
 
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