Turf

[TraceyE]

Hi there, i m having a grass dilemma! I would like to create an area of garden for my guinea pigs. It is currently a rockery type area so has shingle down & no grass. Initially i thought i would turf it for an instant fix. However after giving it more thought i realised this would not be possible as the turf would have been treated with chemicals/fertilizers. Has anyone else come across this problem & did you find a soloution? I can not seem to find anywhere that sells organic turf.

 

[theoretikos]

I am not a gardener so cannot help with your turf question!

You can always grow grass in tubs and give it to the piggies like that and put it in their run. They will have access to fresh grass just not all over.

I am unsure of what you could cover the shingle with to stop their feet being hurt

 

[7squeakers.]

When I moved to my present address, the back lawn was in bad condition so I had the whole thing re-turfed.
I don't think the grass was treated with anything, as my piggies have never had a problem after being on it.
I don't know if turf is treated with anything, as you would do that yourself if you wanted to, after it was laid.

 

[TraceyE]

Thanks for your reply & your idea on tubs, was considering doing this an an indoor treat but would also like them to have an outdoor grassed area. They did have a large outdoor run on grass for use in good weather,(they are kept indoors other than that) but now i have ducks using the grass to so wanted to create the guineas a new separate area away from the ducks. The shingle will all be removed completely so that new grass can go in its place. Will probably have to put down grass seed but it will be a long process :0(

 

[TraceyE]

Thanks for sharing your experience 7squeakers. Glad things worked out well for you but i stumbled across something that said all new turf is treated & after some phone calls to turf suppliers this seems to be the case. Chances are it would probably be fine but now i know about the chemicals used i think i would be to worried to risk it.

 

[Wiebke]

I you are in any doubt, wait until you have mowed the new grass three times.

 

[Hermes]

If you lay the turf now or early next year (so long as it's not consistently wet or freezing it's fine) then it will be well established and any chemical treatments will have dissipated by the time the pigs can go out (typically around may).