Outside grass?

[Aisteraina]

I might be getting a guinea pig next month, and the grass outside was bought from lowes. (Its this kind of grass that you lay down, but it's real grass Shop SYNLawn 15' Wide UltraLush III Cut-to-Length Artificial Grass at Lowes.com ) does lowes put fertilizer or any chemicals in the grass? Is it safe for the piggy? Please help. Thnx in advance

[Owned by cavy]

I don't know anything about Lowe's grass, but I took a quick look at the link that you posted. Since it's artificial grass, I would say, no it's probably not good for your piggie. But, that's just my opinion. Maybe someone else with more experience would have more to say, but I don't think the things in artificial grass is good for their tummies.

[Aisteraina]

I don't know anything about Lowe's grass, but I took a quick look at the link that you posted. Since it's artificial grass, I would say, no it's probably not good for your piggie. But, that's just my opinion. Maybe someone else with more experience would have more to say, but I don't think the things in artificial grass is good for their tummies.

the link was just what the grass looks like, but its real grass, not artificial, I couldnt find the link for the real grass. I didnt know what kind of real grass it was thats why i posted a link to want it LOOKED like, sorry its hard for me to explain.

[Owned by cavy]

the link was just what the grass looks like, but its real grass, not artificial, I couldnt find the link for the real grass. I didnt know what kind of real grass it was thats why i posted a link to want it LOOKED like, sorry its hard for me to explain.

Oh, gotcha. I understand. Now, real grass, I know a little better. I took several agriculture/horticulture classes on it. The very green, very pretty instant grass that they unroll onto your dirt like carpet? That is a type of grass or sod. That will most likely have fertilizer in it. Grass needs a nitrogen rich fertilizer to maintain it's beautiful green color and health. Especially since, grass is not allowed to seed itself (people cut if off first) it is necessary for it to be pretty! So, I would say, feel free to give Lowe's a call and ask specifically about the grass that you got. They will be able to tell you more than anyone else will.

That being said, until you have those answers, I would not give a piggie that grass until you know. Hopefully someone on here will be able to tell you what amount of fertilizer is safe for your piggie. I'm sure that less is better, but, if you clean it well, it might be ok. I know that the vegetables that I buy from the grocery store are not organic, so they have some fertilizer or chemicals on them, but the chemicals used for food bearing plants and the chemicals used for other types of plants are two different things. The best thing I can advise is to get specifics on the type of grass that you've got and go from there. Good luck!

[Aisteraina]

Thnx

[Owned by cavy]

No problem!

[Paulo]

i m using outside grass, but are wild grasses, it means, no fertilizers or pesticides....as i have not access to any other variety....

[Owned by cavy]

@Paulo Outside grass is fine, the basic rule is no fertilizer, no chemicals and it's needs to be from somewhere that animals don't urinate or defecate. Other than that, you shouldn't need to worry. Hope this helps.

[Paulo]

@Paulo Outside grass is fine, the basic rule is no fertilizer, no chemicals and it's needs to be from somewhere that animals don't urinate or defecate. Other than that, you shouldn't need to worry. Hope this helps.

Thanks! i cannot 100% sure an animal passed by and leave something behind, but unlikely....For sure nobody is fertilizing or using any chemical there....

[Owned by cavy]

Thanks! i cannot 100% sure an animal passed by and leave something behind, but unlikely....For sure nobody is fertilizing or using any chemical there....

Like I said, that should be fine. What I mean is that I cannot use the grass from my yard, because I have 2 dogs that use their bathroom out there and we have cats and dogs running all over the neighborhood here, so I wouldn't use my grass. But as long as you are not in a place that constantly has cats and dogs or livestock running all over it, it should be fine. I would just make sure that you wash it really well, before you give it to your babies.

[Aisteraina]

what if my dogs don't poop there anymore? And its been washed so many times after?

[Owned by cavy]

what if my dogs don't poop there anymore?

I wouldn't trust it for a while. At least a few good rains to make sure that there are no contaminants left on it. Especially since dogs can carry worms and things that can be transmitted to your piggies. (Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying your dogs have worms. But a lot of medications that we give our dogs to prevent them can cause the worms/eggs of parasites to travel straight through their digestive tract. Since your piggies wouldn't be on the same medications what wouldn't hurt your dog could be really unsafe for your piggies!)

And remember that anything you forage from outside needs to be washed really well, just in case! There is a list of acceptable forage items on this site somewhere that may help you guys get more information on what the best things to collect for piggies are. Just type foraging in the search box and you should find a ton of other posts with other peoples experiences and advice and you should get a better idea of what would be best to do.

I'm sorry that I'm not more help with this, but I live in a small city, in a neighborhood filled with strays, so I don't forage. Good luck!!!

[Aisteraina]

so its ok? (cause where I live there are a lot of storms)

[Paulo]

well since i am here in Africa where is not a pet store or anything like that, then i have not my options that collect grass from outside, and even i have no idea what kind of grass i am getting either....

[Zuidy]

so its ok? (cause where I live there are a lot of storms)

I would just say no. Because you have to ask if it's OK and nobody knows, I would feel to unsure. And even if it is real grass..... I wouldn't feed it.

[Owned by cavy]

so its ok? (cause where I live there are a lot of storms)

I really don't know, hon. I can't give you any specifics other than what I've already said, because I've never seen the kind of grass that you have and I'm not sure how long it would take for all the bad things from the dog poo to wash away. I wish I could give you more info, but I really don't know. Search foraging and see if you can get more information. You might be surprised and find exactly the information you're looking for.

Since you don't have your piggie yet and you're in the states, my suggestion is to find a good supplier of Timothy hay or Orchard Grass. Walmart sells it, pet stores sell it and there are a lot of places that you can buy it online. It's really the best way to go. That way you know that what you're doing is what's best for your baby. Good luck.

[Aisteraina]

ok Thnx

[Owned by cavy]

well since i am here in Africa where is not a pet store or anything like that, then i have not my options that collect grass from outside, and even i have no idea what kind of grass i am getting either....

Then you're doing the best you can for piggie. The only other thing I could suggest would be looking online to see if there somewhere that could ship timothy hay to you. But, being that you're in Africa, that could cost a LOT. Just make sure that you are checking their teeth to make certain they are not getting too long, and pay attention to his poops, to make sure that he's not getting "backed up" because if he starts having trouble pooping you are going to have to help him with that.

[Paulo]

Thanks, well guinea pigs are a common animal in houses here....but not as a pet...
I have noticed that as soon as i put the grass, they get crazy eating it and a "cascade of little poo" come out! Then it seems it is the right kind. It is interesting because even giving lettuce and other veggies doesnt seem to provoke the same effect

[Owned by cavy]

Thanks, well guinea pigs are a common animal in houses here....but not as a pet...
I have noticed that as soon as i put the grass, they get crazy eating it and a "cascade of little poo" come out! Then it seems it is the right kind. It is interesting because even giving lettuce and other veggies doesnt seem to provoke the same effect

Then as long as their teeth aren't growing overly long than it should be fine! The key that they need for health is "long grain grass". I'm not sure what kinds of grasses you have there, but as long as your pig is healthy, then you are doing a good job!