Which kind of hay?¿?

[Ruthies owner]

Hello!


I went to the kmhayloft.com ( I think thats what it was I forget ;-) ) and I was thinking about getting some from there...Is blue grass the best kind to get from there?

 

[Sierra]

Actually, it's kmshayloft.com, but pretty close.

I would try getting some bluegrass and timothy, try getting a mixture and see what your pigs like best. I've never gotten it from there, some people on GL say their pigs like Timothy more, others have pigs that go crazy over the bluegrass.

 

[ChadWPB]

I get the straight bluegrass. It's softer, greener and my pigs enjoy its rich taste.

However, it is a good idea to get the combination of timothy and bluegrass to see which one the little ones like best.

 

[liluqt]

I don't understand the difference between 1st hay and 2nd cut? I'm finding local farms around here that hay timothy hay, but I don't know which cut to get?? Is one better suited for piggies?

 

[Piglet]

2nd cut is better for guinea pigs

 

[mncavylover]

Second cut is usually preferred. 1st is the first cut of the season, and it has many seed heads. It may be a bit stalkier. 2nd cut is leafier and softer.

I got half timmy and half bluegrass for my first 35-lb. order. They love it! Still going strong since August 25!

 

[liluqt]

I really want to try getting the bluegrass but I'm on the exact opposite coast in Maryland from Washington State where kmshayloft is... so shipping is as expensive as you can get it... does anybody know of another source possibly closer that also sells bluegrass? The farms around here only have timothy usually.. any help or suggestions is greatly appreciated! thanks ahead of time

 

[cinn&sprinslave]

Shipping to me was only $6 because I live in Oregon! So I got 9lbs of hay for $15!!!!
I am going to see if next time she will let me pick some up though.
I don't usually buy hay in bulk because of the storing. I usually buy mini bales for $3.99. But I can get big bales from a place right by my house practically for $6.

 

[NoVeil]

I really want to try getting the bluegrass but I'm on the exact opposite coast in Maryland from Washington State where kmshayloft is... so shipping is as expensive as you can get it... does anybody know of another source possibly closer that also sells bluegrass?

Sweet Meadow Farms is in MA, I think. They offer a variety of hay but not bluegrass. I used them before I found a local source of timothy and orchard grass.

(broken link removed)

 

[loves2travel]

well, timothy is still good for the pigs, liuqt!

 

[liluqt]

Okay, I've decided not to go with the farm because I don't think my car can handle a 2 hour drive out to the farm to get timmy hay, lol.. I found a feedstore probably 30 minutes away and just called them. They have bales of timothy hay mixed with orchard... my pigs have never had orchard, but from what I've read on here, it's fine I asked her if it's 1st or 2nd cut, but she says there's no way of knowing. I'm going to try my luck with this one for now. It's still a better deal than the Kaytee I'm so used to! $5.50 a bale! woohoo But out of curiosity.. is the Kaytee hay 2nd cut?

 

[mncavylover]

Most likely, yes, Kaytee is not supported by me however, because many of its products are unsafe and give incorrect directions. For example, their hay states that you are to give a small animal 1/2 of a handful of hay daily. That is not even enough for an hour! Also, the cedar and pine beddings are toxic to some animals, and this should be stated on the bags. Their foods contain some bad ingredients. I also think the hay is icky.

I agree, (broken link removed) hay is the closest and the best on the East coast. If you live in the middle, just check both shipping rates combined with the pricing and add them up. Compare, and see which is the best value. Good luck!

 

[liluqt]

Uh oh.. I use Kaytee Aspen aspen.. has anybody heard bad things about it? Well, I went to the feedstore and got a bale of hay. However, it's definately more yellow than green.. and the parts that are green are a very faint green. I am not impressed. There are also a lot of seeds.. obviously a 1st cut. I guess I should just pay more and head to one of the online sites for guaranteed high quality timothy

 

[mncavylover]

No, it is absolutely fine! I just don't like the brand, because some of their other products are inappropriate. KM's hay is cheap even with the s & h. It's awesome!

 

[liluqt]

i was told that oxbow hay is first cut.. is that always the case? i thought pigs were supposed to have 2nd cut?

 

[aqh88]

It does somewhat depend on your location and when it's cut. Our first cut is often some of the richest hay and it goes downhill till the last cutting is really tough and full of weeds or seeds. 2nd hay is generaly the best for most hays and uses but depending when it's cut and the growing conditions along with type of hay grown the 1st can be just as good or better. From my fields the alfalfa especially is great the 1st cutting and we save those bails for the coldest part of winter to feed the young horses.

 

[mncavylover]

Oxbow hay isn't always 1st cut, though now it may be. It is sometimes second cut, sometimes first. They're both fine for pigs, the only difference is that 1st has more seed heads and is stalkier, 2nd cut is leafier with less seed heads.

 

[liluqt]

Since I had read so many rave reviews online about Oxbow and how it's highly recommended by veterinarians and what not, I thought it would be a sure bet for my pigs, but I would definately prefer a less stalkier and less seedier cut. I'm running low on hay because my pigs plow through it like nothing so I need a good source for bulk hay. Does Kleenmama's hay ever go down in quality during certain parts of the year like now?

 

[mncavylover]

No, never! In fact, she just got an awesome new bluegrass load. It's nearly legendary.

I tried Oxbow before tring km's, and I found it to be stalky, dry, seedy, and dusty. The bluegrass is very soft, and the timmy is fresh as well, with some seed heads. It smells lovely!