Diet Some general questions.

[C1407]

Ok, I've been preparing some questions to ask closer to when I might get pigs so that I don't clog up the forums every time I have a question. However, I was recently told about some babies being born which I might adopt depending on the gender (still waiting to find out what they are), so I may as well ask my questions now.

1. I'm pretty sure I can still get hay from a local horse farm. I called last month and they told me they had a timothy mix with an estimated 75% timothy, some alfalfa (too much of a problem?), and clover. I also asked about splitting a bale since my parents might not like having so much hay, and they said they could probably split it for me. So what are the main things to look for to know if this hay is good? I want to make sure I'm not getting something that won't be good for the pigs. So color, texture - what will I be able to look for to know it's good?

2. Should I get it here if it is good? Or would I be better off ordering it online? Shipping's a killer so I want to avoid it as much as possible.

3. How do I store hay so it lasts and is healthy for the pigs? Are there certain temperature requirements (winter's are usually around 10s-20s, but can be much colder, and summer's are usually around 70s-80s - are either of these extremes problems?)? Can it stay in our garage or should I put it in the basement (we have dehumidifiers down there, but will that be enough for the hay?)? Do I store it in something like a rubbermaid tub or what? Does it need ventilation? If it needs ventilation, how do I keep vermin out like mice? (Only a problem if kept in the garage, we usually don't see them often, but if there's hay that attracts them, I don't want them as a surprise).

4. As I said, I'm getting babies (2, hopefully). If I'm ordering the alfalfa pellets from KMs, what pound bag should I buy? They need alfalfa pellets until they're around 6 months, correct? And 1/4 cup of pellets per pig, or more when they're just babies? So what size bag should I get so that I don't end up wasting money on an extra 15 pounds of pellets that I don't need and can no longer use?

5. How long do pellets in general usually last/stay fresh? Is there something I should do to keep them fresh or would they be fine in the packaging they come in?

6. How do I make sure each pig gets the amount of pellet they're supposed to get? How will I know that one isn't getting most of them and the other is hardly getting any? Is it usually a problem for pigs or do they usually get an equal amount and I won't have to worry about it?

That's all of the questions I had typed up, but if I think of any others I'll add them in this thread when I think of them. Feel free to add any information you think would be useful. Thanks in advance!

 

[catzeye21138]

1. Hay should be soft, and green. Some hay will probably have stocks, but that's fine. A good hay is more soft, less stock.
That mixture would be fine for pups, but not adults. The babies could actually do better with much more alfalfa for their dietary needs. An adult guinea pig will need either orchard grass, or timothy hay with no alfalfa mixed in. It has too much calcium.

2. You should take a look at the hay, and see what it looks like before dismissing it. Check with some local livestock vet's offices, that is where I get my hay and it is wonderful stuff.

3. A cool dark place would work for the hay. If kept properly, it should last at least a year. It might lose some greenness, though. To store it, you could use some cardboard boxes, or rubbermaid tubs. It does need ventilation to keep things dry, however. So if keeping it in the garage attracts mice, that won't be the best place for it.

4. I can't really answer this question, as it's been so long since I've had a baby pig. Hopefully someone can provide an answer for you. I would venture a 10 lb bag would be plenty.

5. I keep 2-3 weeks worth of pellets at one time in a food bucket with a lid. The rest I keep in my canning cellar. When storing pellets, you need to keep them cool and out of sunlight. They should last till you run out if you keep them like that. A freezer would work if you have room. Just make sure no little vermin can get in the bag.

6. I really wouldn't worry about that. As long as they're both getting a good amount vegetables every day, the exact amount of pellets doesn't matter.

 

[C1407]

Ok, I've been thinking more about ordering from KMS since then I'll be getting something I know is good for the pigs, even though it will cost a little more. So now I have this question:

7. How much space each would a 25lb package of hay and a 45lb package of hay take up? Measurements? The 45lb package would be a better deal, but I'm not sure I have the room for it.

Also, I can probably put the hay in my basement then. I know my dad has tons of boxes, so that much wouldn't be a problem. But how much ventilation are we talking? Just leaving the top open, or punching some holes in the side?

EDIT: Also, since pellets last a long time, once they're on Timothy based pellets, I might as well just go for the 25lb bag since it's a better deal?

 

[bpatters]

I think we've posted this several times in the last few days. The hay boxes are about 18"x18"xsome-depth, depending on how much buy. A 45-pound box is about 26" high. My measurements are approximate because my last box got squished.

If your basement is dry, you can store it there. Remove any plastic it comes wrapped in, put it back in the box, and punch a lot off holes in the sides.

Twenty-five pounds of pellets is a lot of pellets for two guinea pigs. I split a 25-pound order with a neighbor who also has two guinea pigs, and we only order 2-3 times a year. So 12.5 pounds lasts two guinea pigs about 4-6 months.

 

[C1407]

I think we've posted this several times in the last few days. The hay boxes are about 18"x18"xsome-depth, depending on how much buy. A 45-pound box is about 26" high. My measurements are approximate because my last box got squished.

If your basement is dry, you can store it there. Remove any plastic it comes wrapped in, put it back in the box, and punch a lot off holes in the sides.

Twenty-five pounds of pellets is a lot of pellets for two guinea pigs. I split a 25-pound order with a neighbor who also has two guinea pigs, and we only order 2-3 times a year. So 12.5 pounds lasts two guinea pigs about 4-6 months.

Sorry for asking the same thing, I didn't really look too far into too many threads.

We do have dehumidifiers, so I'm pretty sure it would be dry enough. We don't have any mold in the basement.

For the pellets, are you saying it wouldn't be good to have the pellets as long as a year if I got the 25 lb bag, or are you just giving the time reference you experience?

 

[bpatters]

Just my experience.