Timothy hay

[Claire W]

I have started to give Ellie and Eliza Timothy hay in their hay rack as I have heard it is low in calcium. Is this a good idea for piggies? They live and eat meadow hay but I wanted to treat them with a different kind of hay for food x

 

[KingBoris&HisFollowers]

i think its a great idea,mine were also on meadow hay and one pair is still housed on it,we have recently converted to Oxbow orchard grass which says its timothy hay on the packet :{ I'm new to overseas brands but the pigs absolutely love it,I'm not sure if i would give it as a treat as changes in diet might not be good,can anyone help with this?

 

[Kira]

Timothy hay is really good for them to eat - the one i get has dandelion in so they go mad for it
I also like how it smells lol - smells fresh to me if that makes sence

 

[Claire W]

I must admit, it does smell nice. As soon as I put it in the hay rack, they went straight to it and they don't normally eat from the hay rack They still have tones of meadow hay in their hutch though x

 

[Lisajazz]

I bed my foster pigs on meadow but give timothy to eat. They seem to only eat the timothy.

 

[pompypigs]

Mine always have timothy hay in their racks & meadow hay in the tray - they love the timothy hay xx

 

[pelicano]

My lot used to eat timothy hay exclusively, but I've managed to get them eating a combination of meadow and timothy how - I think it's better for them to get a variety (as well as cheaper! )

 

[Laura-CCC4]

Variety is always good, encourages them to eat more! Hay is nowhere near as rich as veggies are, so different hays as treats should be perfectly fine.

Any type of grass hay is good for piggies - timothy, meadow, orchard grass, oat, brome...

 

[sharonS]

Mine are on timothy hay, the stuff from pets at home looks like straw to me though, mine seem to enjoy lying on it rather than eating it. Maybe there are different sorts though.:{

 

[Porky Pig]

Mine are on timothy hay, the stuff from pets at home looks like straw to me though, mine seem to enjoy lying on it rather than eating it. Maybe there are different sorts though.:{

I've discovered that, too. Bought timothy hay from Pets At Home and it's a waste - my piggy will only eat a small amount of it because most of it looks like tough straw!

I've found that the best quality timothy hay is found in a pack called "Burgess Excell Fresh Herbage with Timothy Hay, Dandelion and Marigold." Also good timothy hay is produced by "Alfalfa King," although I've only seen it in one shop while we were away on holiday.

What do folk think of actual alfalfa hay? I'm feeding small amounts to my young piggy. I hear it's very high in calcium and ok to feed when they're young.

 

[katdralion]

Most British timothy hay is rubbish, with the exception of Burgess which is OK. My pigs favourite by far is Oxbow western timothy followed by Oxbow orchard grass.
It's very expensive if you buy it in small bags but you can buy a huge 50 lb box which lasts for months and works out cheaper than Burgess per lb.

 

[lesg]

Mine are on timothy hay, the stuff from pets at home looks like straw to me though, mine seem to enjoy lying on it rather than eating it. Maybe there are different sorts though.:{

I got timothy hay from pets at home but they at a little of that but prefer to eat just normal hay?!

 

[Laura-CCC4]

What do folk think of actual alfalfa hay? I'm feeding small amounts to my young piggy. I hear it's very high in calcium and ok to feed when they're young.

Alfalfa is great for young pigs (under 6 months), and for pregnant and nursing sows. For adult pigs, it's best to give it only as a treat. As you say, it is high in calcium, and protein.