Feeding Your Guinea Pigs Hay | Guinea Pigs Australia

Hay

Quality hay is one of the most important things you need to provide your guinea pig everyday.

Guinea pigs' teeth grow constantly throughout their life, and hay is important for keeping piggies' front incisors and back molars worn down. Hay also helps guinea pigs digest their food and keeps their digestive system healthy.

You should make sure your guinea pig has hay available at all times and is replenished daily. A hay bag or rack should be included in your cage setup; this will ensure the hay remains off the ground away from piggy poops, soiled bedding and moisture.

There are a number of hay varieties that can be fed to your cavy, let's look at the options below!

🌾 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.
⭐ TOP PICKS ⭐

Timothy Hay
Orchard
✅ GREAT EVERYDAY OPTION

Rhodes Grassy Hay
⚠️ FEED IN MODERATION

Oaten, Wheaten and Barley Hay
🐷 SPECIAL USE ONLY

Alfalfa/Lucerne Hay
🚫 AVOID

Straw

Our Guide To Hay

An overview of some of the types of hay available in Australia.

WATCH NOW

STORAGE

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.

Shop Hay Storage Solutions

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

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.

Shop Hay

Our Top Hay Picks

Hays

Hay Racks

Your rabbit or guinea pig needs constant access to hay all day.
Here you can find our everyday feeding hays for your guinea pig or rabbit or small animal.