Hay
🌾 Types of Hay
Below is a range of different hays you'll find in pet stores and produce shops. Each hay has its benefits, but some should be fed more in moderation rather than daily due to calcium, protein and fat content.
🌾 Timothy Hay: High in fibre, essential for digestion, and helps wear down teeth. A recommended variety in guinea pig diets.
🌾 Rhodes Grassy Hay: Another highly recommended option for feeding daily. High in fibre and low in calcium, with a soft texture and sweet smell. Excellent for maintaining dental health and digestion.
🌾 Orchard: Soft texture, sweet aroma, and less dusty than other hays. A good alternative for guinea pigs sensitive to dust. Nutritionally balanced so another suitable option for daily feeding.
🌾 Meadow Hay: A mix of grasses and herbs, offering variety in texture and flavour. Great for foraging and enrichment.
🌾 Oaten, Wheaten and Barley Hay: High in fibre with slightly higher fat and protein content. Ideal for variety and occasional feeding.
🌾 Alfalfa/Lucerne Hay: Rich in calcium and protein, suitable for young, growing guinea pigs or pregnant/nursing sows. Not recommended for adult guinea pigs due to high calcium content, which can contribute to bladder stones.
You can mix up the types of hay you feed your piggy throughout the year, depending on what's available seasonally. Just be mindful of the hays you can safely feed daily versus ones that are best fed only in moderation.
📦 How To Store Hay Correctly
Storing hay properly is essential to maintain its freshness and nutritional value for guinea pigs. Here’s where and how you should store it:
✔️ Cool, Dry Place: Store hay in a cool, dry area to prevent moisture buildup, which can cause mould growth. Avoid areas with high humidity, such as basements or near bathrooms.
✔️ Well-Ventilated Area: Ensure the storage area has good airflow to keep the hay fresh and prevent it from becoming musty.
✔️ Off the Ground: Keep hay elevated off the ground on a pallet or shelf to avoid direct contact with damp floors and to maintain proper ventilation.
✔️ Away from Direct Sunlight: Store hay away from direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can degrade its nutritional value and cause it to lose colouur and flavour.
✔️ In Breathable Containers: Use breathable containers, such as burlap sacks, lidded cardboard boxes or hay bags, to allow air circulation while protecting the hay from dust and pests. We have great lidded storage boxes that fit under our Ozzy Cages and are perfect for hay storage!
Proper storage helps maintain the quality of the hay, ensuring it remains fresh, nutritious, and palatable for guinea pigs.
🤔 Choosing Hay
Here’s a list of qualities to look for in good quality hay for guinea pigs:
✔️ Colour: Pale gold to green, indicating freshness and high nutritional content. Any sign of brown or bright yellow is not suitable.
✔️ Appearance: Long, intact strands, with minimal dust, broken pieces, foreign objects and weeds.
✔️ Smell: Fresh, sweet, and grassy aroma, free from musty or mouldy odours.
✔️ Weight: Should not be too light (indicates it's dry) or too heavy (indicates it's too moist and may be mouldy).
✔️ Texture: Good hay will be flexible, easy to touch and should not be difficult to handle. It should be free of pokey, sticky strands that could cause eye pokes or injury.
These qualities ensure the hay is nutritious, appealing, and safe for guinea pigs to eat.
