Hay related issue

[extensiblecow]

Does Hay gives skin problems ?

I bought some Hay from country side (Dural).
They packed them for horses etc.

My little boys love them to bits. They like to eat the hay, sleep in it, nest in it, hide in it etc.

But ever since I've introduced the Hay, I noticed that they now scratch a lot - as if they've got an itch all the time. (well, "all the time" is probably too dramatic but if I compare post- and pre- hay periods, they scratch more now).

I've tried removing the hay completely, and only put a little in a corner in a basket so that they can feed and replenish when it's low.

The scratching still goes on.

Any idea ?

[extensiblecow]

Originally Posted by extensiblecow

But ever since I've introduced the Hay, ...

I must add / clarify that my boys were 1 year old and 8 months when first adopted them in March. I gathered from the previous owner that they never had hay before.

[Gunnedah]

Lucerne and other hays can have mites in it, its not uncommon. I would give them a dose of Ivermec and they should be fine in no time.

Em

[PiggieMom]

It could be mites. If you decide to treat for them (it doesn't harm them if they end up not having them) here's a link with information on dosing. You will need to give at least three doses of ivermectin to get rid of the mites.

http://www.guinealynx.info/ivermectin.html

[extensiblecow]

Thank you both !
Very grateful !


Er.. I supposed if it's really mites (still debating whether to get a vet to confirm, will study the link provided), it won't infect the humans too ? Humans, like us, living with the infected pigs

[jdomans]

Those mites don't get on us. No problem. I am fighting them also.