Timothy hay looks like straw?

[SophRuss5]

First time I've bought this as most of the places I buy only stock meadow!
However the strands are much shorter, and much bulkier.
Is this right, I checked a bout a million times at it said hay not straw!
They have eaten it but don't seem too enamoured with it and I worry that the thicker stands will have the potential for eye injuries? They have a hay tray and their guinea cottage is full to the brim so they have to burrow in!
Am I over reacting!?!

 

[Pigglywinks]

In my experience, timothy hay generally is more stalkier than meadow; I've never had a problem with eye pokes though I do put mine in hay racks, this is because it's more expensive and I don't want my pigs peeing and pooping all over it.

 

[tabelmabel]

yes that's right it it very stalky with ears! The oxbow timothy is really nice quality and my piggies' favourite. Unfortunately i'm very allergic to oxbow timothy. I think hay does vary according to time of year and supplier. For example, i had the most gorgeous sweet smelling soft alfafa hay in my last order but this delivery is much rougher and straw like and less sweet smelling. Timothy is always stalky though

 

[Jerrybelly]

Yep, depends which brand you buy too (if you are buying a brand version, rather than from a farm or somewhere similar)

I buy Alfalfa Kings (which is really misleading as it is timothy, not alfalfa hay!) It's grass-green in colour and smells lovely and fresh. It's quite expensive but my pigs go wild for it!

 

[MargaretB]

Yes, it is generally stalky & more brittle than meadow hay & also greener in colour. Mine get it occasionally but seem to prefer ordinary hay. I also am very allergic to it and don't buy it during the summer when there are lots of other allergens about to set off my asthma too.