Fedding Guineas hay?

Question

I noticed in the store that they just have a bowl of hay, but it was all ground up very small so that the pigs don't pull it all out trying to get the perfect piece at the bottom of the bowl. Is this a good idea, or is this another pet store flaw in taking care of guinea pigs?

Answer 1

they love hay but it =$$$$$

but they also love grass =free

Answer 2

...Huh? Are you talking about hay or pellets?

Adult guinea pigs should get a plain, timothy based pellet with no "treats" or anything else in it, freefeed timothy hay, and fresh veggies daily (plus some fruits once or twice a week).

Pigs under a year old should get a plain, alfalfa based pellet with no "treats" or anything else in it, freefeed alfalfa or alfalfa/timothy mix, and the same with veggies and fruits.

Answer 3

Another misguided non-caring pet store and employees who don't want to  take the time to inform themselves.There is a distinction between long fiber hay and short ground up hay.They need the long form.Go to Oxbow hay or APD hay .They have great web sites on g.p.nutrition and great products.

Answer 4

i give my piggy timothy hay, just in his cage. He also likes alfalfa. Pet stores seam not to care sometimes, it bothers me.

Answer 5

i have a guinea pig that i got in march this year so i don't know a lot. i have been checking out books at the library about how to care for them. and they say that you should put the hay on top of your guinea pigs house and make sure it always has hay. hope this helps. :)

Answer 6

Sounds like a goofy pet store quirk that has no useful purpose.

As another post suggested, piggies under six months old should be fed Alfalfa hay, due to the higher calcium content. Piggies over six months should be switched to Timothy.

Either way, Alfalfa or Timothy, the hay should not be shredded or ground. It should be in its natural cut length. The longer the strands, the better, as this causes the piggie to chew more, thus keeping those teeth in check. The longer strands are also better for their digestive tract.

Answer 7

i think its another flaw i read that the petstore people told this guy to feed his guinea pig alfalfa hay and he died within 6 weeks... so i wouldnt risk it