How much hay?

[auburnmare5]

[FONT=Microsoft Sans Serif]When I came to this site, I learned that guinea pigs need hay, and lots of it. I know that they are supposed to have hay 24/7 but how much hay should I give my 1 pig a day? Right now, I give him about 1- 1.5 handfuls each day. I don't want to give him so much that he is overloaded with hay, but I don't want him to not have enough either.[/FONT] How much do you suggest I give my pig?

[Jenni_Feathers]

I give my pigs tons of hay and they love it. They have this: http://www.guineapigcages.com/photos...48/ppuser/6820 and a loft with an aprox. 6" by 4" hayrack and a box filled with half hay and half shredded paper to play in.
Give as much hay as possible and you will have a very happy pig.

[Ly&Pigs]

You never want the pig to run out of hay. Make sure hay is accessible at all times. The more hay you can get your pig to eat the better. 1-1 1/2 handfuls isn't really very much, he needs more.

[auburnmare5]

Does anyone think I should just put in a hay rack and fill it with hay when it needs to be filled? Is there a such thing as too much hay for my pig?

[bakentake]

Well from what i've seen on this site I'd say there isn't a max amout of hay you can give your pig, and above having a massive hay rack, and more to play in, I don't think you'd want to put a whole bale of hay in as it'd take up all their play area.

But you want a decent amount so they can do something other than only eat it. I'm not sure if too much fiber has a negative effect on a pig or not.

[I<3MyBabies]

Unlimited...meaning never let them run out.

Don't restrict the amount, let them have as much as their little hearts desire! :-)

[bakentake]

I can understand why they would want to limit it day by day as the hay is expensive I spent 5 dollars on 24oz's of timothy hay. Its getting close to how much actual bales are, granted by bales I'm talking about feeding cows, which is roughly 90 pounds.

I dunno about where you guys live but money doesn't grow on tree's here.

[I<3MyBabies]

About $25 for a 50 lb. box from Oxbow...which is not that much, and will last a LONG time.

No one said money grows on trees, but you have an animal and are asking how to care for it. Here, we are telling you.

Pigs NEED unlimited hay, all the time, no matter what. Just the facts.

Make a hay rack out of a bent grid, and it will save hay from getting dirty or spoiled. And make your pigs happy.

And I definitely suggest ordering from Oxbow Pet Products | Welcome and the bigger the bale the more cost effective, due to shipping charges. Kaytee is a rip-off. They have extraordinary prices for low-quality, honestly crappy hay. order some Oxbow and you will smell and see the difference right away, so will your pigs. Plus, you will save SO much money in the long run. The amount of hay in those little bags of Kaytee you buy at the petstore, is less than the amount my pigs go through in about 3 days. So, you can see how it is a staple to their diet. Nothing is more important, not pellets - they gotta have hay, and LOTS.

Really, its not that much and it is critical to your animals' health.


Hope this helps!

[nismosmama]

I say research a little and look around. For example, here in San Diego I buy my hay from my vet's office. All the proceeds go to the House Rabbit Society. I get a huge box for only $10, and I use it for both my rabbit and my 2 pigs and the box lasts me at least a month.

I know many times vets offices who cater to exotics will sell boxes of hay, ask around

[piggly wiggly]

Bakentake. You are not paying that much for hay. Here I pay $20 for a 48oz bag. Pigs need unlimite hay, it helps their digestive system, and keeps their teeth down, so they don't overgrow. Hay really is not that expensive, and when you see how much they love it, how could you resisit giving it to them?

[QuackXP]

Originally Posted by I<3MyBabies

About $25 for a 50 lb. box from Oxbow...which is not that much, and will last a LONG time.

That $25 bag is about $50+ on the east coast once you add in shipping. I called the local pet shops that carried Oxbow products and they all quoted me prices higher than what I could get direct. Comes to around $1.25/lb for me. Still better than the $3-4/lb buying the small bags from the pet shops. Also around here asside from Tractor Supply (that has a good deal on aspen shaveings, but only sells crap hay and pellets) is the only place that sells pet supplys and no pets, if that is a factor. I used to get all my food supplies from the petshop. Now I get bedding from Tractor Supply and food direct from Oxbow.

[I<3MyBabies]

I also paid a good $25 for shipping, but I see it as well worth it. Its great quality and I ordered it months ago, and I still have half a box, maybe more.

I really think its a good deal, as are others like Kleenmama's.

But, sometimes I guess shipping is a pain and costs extra. So check around at your local veterinary offices. Many can special order it for you, and you won't have to pay shipping, some even get a discounted price. You can use the store locator on Oxbow Pet Products | Welcome or just call around and ask.

Hope that helps!

[Biscuit]

Originally Posted by bakentake

I can understand why they would want to limit it day by day as the hay is expensive
I dunno about where you guys live but money doesn't grow on tree's here.

Money doesn't grow on trees here either, but I would never let my pet go without an essential (unlimited hay is essential) due to the price of something.

I'd eat out less before I did that. Eating out is more expensive than hay for sure!

[Jenni_Feathers]

Originally Posted by bakentake

I can understand why they would want to limit it day by day as the hay is expensive I spent 5 dollars on 24oz's of timothy hay. Its getting close to how much actual bales are, granted by bales I'm talking about feeding cows, which is roughly 90 pounds.

I dunno about where you guys live but money doesn't grow on tree's here.

Why dont you buy your piggys full bales then, thats what I do. Just be sure that it is a high-horse quality Grass hay. I get square bales of brome for $5.99 and it lasts for months.