What kind of hay should I feed?

**Jenni_Feathers** · #1 07-01-07, 01:37 pm

What kind of hay is best for guinea pigs. Right now I feed Timothy from a store but I found a farmer who is selling square bales for $3.50, which is less than what I pay for small bag at store so im going to switch over to the square bales. They have brone, timothy and orchard grass. Which would be best to feed?

**Ly&Pigs** · #2 07-01-07, 01:59 pm

Any grass hay is fine to feed. It's the pigs choice that matters most.

**ljm0104** · #3 07-02-07, 08:41 am

I live in a kind of rural area so I am able to feed my piggie a bale of just timothy hay. Feed stores usually have several different varieties.

**Jenni_Feathers** · #4 07-02-07, 10:41 am

Mine would be from a neighbor, as we dont bale our hay cause of our goats and horses. I think ill just stick to timothy cause its what I know my piggies like. Does anyone elses piggies like any other hay better?

CocoSnicks · #5 07-03-07, 02:21 am

mine seems to like the timothy as well, eats unlimited amounts and is very happy with it....a lot of ppl tell me timothy is the traditional favorite for piggies, seems as if its true.

**heatherbunnie** · #6 07-03-07, 07:37 am

I feed timothy hay currently, but I have thought about switching to bluegrass, because many members have said it doesn't bother people with allergies as much as timothy does (my brother is allergic to timothy).

**Jenni_Feathers** · #7 07-03-07, 10:35 am

hmmm... I'm going to check that out since I have severe allergies to hay but you'd think all hay would be the same.

**Feather_n_Coca** · #8 07-03-07, 10:57 am

My little darlings get : Orchard Grass, Timothy Hay, Alfalfa & they will get some botanicals today. They so stinking spoiled.

**Jenni_Feathers** · #9 07-03-07, 11:04 am

What are botanicals? are they normal grass?

**cookie_gal** · #10 07-03-07, 11:49 am

You may find brome to be a bit hard and tough, my guinea's won't touch it and I don't blame them as when you feel the difference you can see the others are 'softer' and less 'sharp'. This is what I found with the Oxbow stuff anyway. My girls go crazy for the orchard.

**Feather_n_Coca** · #11 07-03-07, 12:33 pm

Botanicals: From the Oxbow website.
Botanical Hay

At Oxbow we understand that hay is vital to the health of small herbivores. We also understand that keeping your small herbivore interested in hay can often be challenging. Oxbow’s new Botanical Hay just made it easier! A rich blend of herbs united with Western Timothy hay to stimulate your pet’s appetite for hay and create a relaxing getaway in your pet’s habitat. The fragrant herbs enhance the aroma and taste of the hay, which provides long-strand fiber necessary for your pet’s digestive health. Western Timothy is the # 1 recommended hay by veterinarians for the health of your animal.
Recommended for: Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Chinchillas and Prairie Dogs

Oxbow’s Western Timothy Grass Hay is hand-selected by Owner John Miller himself. John is a fifth generation farmer who understands and recognizes quality hay. That’s why every bag of Oxbow hay is hand-packed, quality-assured and guaranteed to meet the nutritional needs of your pet.
Small Herbivores That Eat Hay

Rabbits
Guinea Pigs
Chinchillas
Tortoises
Prairie Dogs
And others

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude protein - min 8.0%
Crude fat - min 1.50%
Crude fiber - max 32.0%
Moisture - max 15.0%

Ingredients

Timothy Grass Hay and three of the following herbs depending on seasonal changes: Chamomile, Lemon Verbena, Hibiscus, Lavender, Rose Hips, Comfrey, Borage, Red Clover Blossoms

Thank you Ly&Pigs for this useful post, says:
Jenni_Feathers (07-01-07)

Thank you CocoSnicks for this useful post, says:
Jenni_Feathers (07-03-07)

Thank you Feather_n_Coca for this useful post, says:
Jenni_Feathers (07-03-07)

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