warning about hay

[pigsmakemesmile]

I wanted to warn everyone about hay. I was mortified when I reached in my pigs hay bin to empty it only to be stuck by pricker weeds that made its way into the hay. I was so upset as I found pieces of it spread throughout the pen I just about died. I quickly picked up and thoroughly examined their mouth and eyes and have been closely observing for any signs of discomfort while chewing. I had to completely empty out both pens of shavings to eliminate the weeds. When I gathered the hay it must have been deep in the batch that I didn't feel it. It was the only thing I found that was left over in their hay bin. I always have used Kleenmama's but ran out and bought the Kaytee hay to tie me over. I threw it out and have been giving them fresh grass until my Kleenmama's arrives. Please check your hay as your're filling your bins for any element that may not be safe to chew on such as these pricker weeds.

[chexxy]

I hate those. In the witner for my goats and pigs, they get huge amounts of hay for warmt. Once I collapsed into a huge pile. I got up, looked down and my hand was all bloody, from stupid prickers! Thats why I give my guys Oxbow, and not some of the goat hay.

[VoodooJoint]

Thorny weeds can be found occasionally in just about any kind of hay. KM had a problem with them a while back and I'm certain Oxbow gets them in at times.

I know that KM and Oxbow will stand behind what they sell. If you get a "bad" batch of hay KM or Oxbow they will send you a fresh batch. Personally I would keep the weeds and contact the store where I bought the hay and try to return what was left of the bag with the weeds or get a replacement. If the store wouldn't help me then I would contact the maker (Kaytee) and insure that they either reimbursed me or send me a replacement batch.

[HeraHero]

Ahh yes lovely Kaytee, same experiance here. Before I "discovered" oxbow that is what I used, amazing some of the strange plants I would find in there. I'm suprised there aren't stories floating around about pets dying from Kaytee hay. Of course as VJ said Km and Oxbow will try to help. I glad your pigs are okay!
HeraHero, Mary, Hera, Frito, Cammie & Anna

[GimliPig]

Could you possibly put up a link to a picture of these weeds, I want to know what they look so I can watch for them. Thanks for the heads up!