Is this OK?

[flowerpower77]

My 4 guinea pigs have a hay bin that is a rubbermaid container that is approx. 2' x 4'. The problem is that they also use it as a potty. This seems really unhealthy. I change the hay everyday and give the bin a good scrubbing but I am still worried. They also have a litterbox that they use but still continue to poop and pee where they eat! Is this a problem?

[OSUCavies]

Yes, the hay could start growing mold which could cause them to get sick.

I would somehow find a way to mount the hay rack or find a new hay rack altogether so the piggies do not get sick.

[Ly&Pigs]

If the bin is being changed every day, there is little chance for mold as it takes days for mold to grow. Hay can be put on the cage floor as pigs love to lay in it, play in it, sleep in it, etc. I put hay in racks and on the floor and *knocks on wood* have never had an ill pig.

It's very normal for pigs to poo and pee where they eat. You could hang a hayrack above the bin and put shavings in the bin and still put some hay for them to play in/lay in on top of the shavings then put some hay in the rack. I'd just make that the new potty box and remove the other one if they aren't using it for what it's intended.

[rabbitsncavyluv]

Ditto Ly. It's normal. They're grazing animals. You keep throwing fresh hay on top throughout the day. They don't eat the soiled parts.

Besides, they eat their own poo. I think they're fine.