Readigrass, Should It Smell Like Hay?

[spock]

Hello there!
This is my first post, although I've been lurking for months before I adopted my two boys!
I was wondering if anyone could tell me how Friendly Timothy Readigrass should smell? I bought some today and it smells, well sort of beefy! I was expecting it to smell like their hay, is it off?

 

[piggieminder]

I haven't bought any for a while but I seem to remember it has a very strong smell, not like hay (yeasty, not very pleasant). Is there a use buy date on the packet? I only use it as a treat in the indoor runs when they can't go outside on the grass and the weather is too horrible to pick any. I doubt it's off. Is there a use buy date on the packet?

 

[spock]

Thanks for your reply piggieminder. I couldn't see a use by date, just a batch number, just unclipped the packet to have a really good look and caused a round of wheeking! Bought it on impulse as a treat whist buying regular Timothy hay but then read about the calcium levels so they'll be only getting a pinch or two a week. Thought maybe the smell was a kind of mold/yeast but your comment has stopped it going into the bin!

 

[BonBon2010]

It has a strong smell, but an inviting one to the guinea pigs, who will love it. All it is, is freeze dried chopped grass and thats it. My piggies love it

 

[spock]

Thanks BonBon my boys did too! Don't really understand the high calcium though, as I've not found any warning limiting fresh grass once they're used to it. Maybe the drying process pushes up the calcium ratio?