Types Of Hay

Status
Not open for further replies.
Maddykins

Maddykins

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Dec 14, 2013
Messages
292
Reaction score
111
Points
355
Location
Merseyside
I have seen so many different kinds of hay...timothy hay, alfalfa hay, meadow hay, other ones that I can't remember. I have bought all kinds of different stuff for my pigs depending on where I've been out, well except for alfalfa hay as I know that is for young guinea pigs and pregnant mothers only. Could someone tell me what the difference is between all the kinds of hay and are any better than the other? I feel guilty because I must admit I tend to buy what is cheap, is more expensive hay actually better and if so is it a necessity? I have bought some cheap hay in the past that has been all short horrible bits that I could tell the pigs did not enjoy so I don't buy that stuff if I find it to be particularly bad but for example at the moment I am feeding them 'My Little Friend Meadow Hay' as it's the only one they sell in my closest supermarket. They seem to enjoy it just fine but I don't know what the difference is between this hay and the more expensive ones?

Bonus question: What kind of hay do you feed your pigs? :)
 
I feed timothy hay. More expensive hay tends to be greener, 'fluffier', and less dusty (though, of course there will always be exceptions). Timothy hay is too stalky for use as bedding - meadow hay is better for this.

From experience, piggies are not fussy and love all sorts of hay! As long as the hay isn't too dusty, or damp/off, then I'm sure they're more than happy!
 
I feed my boys Burgess timothy hay and my boys love it, but the drawback is that it is expensive. I am considering looking at cheaper brands. :) I don't think that there is much difference between the different brands, just ensure that the hay isn't damp or mouldy and I'm sure they'll eat it regardless of where it comes from / what brand it is. :)
 
I use Deans Farm or Burn's Welsh meadow hay and any good dust free Timothy hay for variety! My local Farm and Pet store stock a reasonable choice, otherwise I use either The Hay Experts or Hay for Pets online. I also hand pick grass from my back garden a couple of times a week as an extra treat!
 
There is a huge difference in the qualities of hay. Cheap hay will have little fibre and be dusty. As hay is such an important part of a guinea pigs diet it is worth buying good quality hay.
 
I use meadow hay for bedding, very fluffy. And I use Timothy hay as a feeding hay. They also get the treat of burgess dandelion mix too.
 
I buy a bale of grass hay for my pigs at the feed store. Costs me $10 and I literally get 5 black garbage bags full. I feed it to my rabbit as well so between four pigs and a 12 pound rabbit it lasts me around 4-6 months. They sell timothy hay in a bale as well but it's always a mixture of timothy and alfalfa so I don't buy that one. Sometimes I'll buy them a small bag of timothy hay that lasts about 2 weeks and costs me $16! Craziness! Are you able to purchase any hay from farms near to you? I find it's the best option.
 
Ooh, I feel a bit worried now as I've been mostly feeding them meadow hay as it's the most available one where I live and also one of the cheapest :/ Plus the only place I know of nearby that will probably sell timothy hay is my local P@H and I don't like to give them business when I have a choice. But I don't want my piggies to suffer :/ they seem happy and enjoy eating and snuggling in their hay but is the nutritional value less @piggyfan ?

I don't drive so getting hay from a farm is impossible unfortunately or I would do that because I know how good it is in terms of value for money!
 
Agree piggyfan, I have always had wonderful hay from the hay experts. Super quality and you can track the delivery online too. They do great toys, accessories and stock some Gorgeous Guineas shampoos now as well.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top