The Importance of Eating Hay

Hay should make up about 80% of a guinea pigs diet.

Hay is essential to make our piggy toothies "work", because they are constantly growing our toothies need to be worn down to prevent them over growing, because hay is tough and requires lots of chewing it wears toothies down nicely.

The Guineapigalopaedia recommends that hay should be at least 3 months old to allow for drying yet still slightly green, me has no idea how you tell how old your hay is.

Hay should be dry and free from dust and mould and fresh smelling.

Hay should be stored in a cool dry place off the floor, Mummy keeps ours in the garage.

The indigestible fibres in hay help keep your tummy working properly (Mummy says the human equivalent would be something like All Bran)

The best hays for eating are Timothy hay and Meadow hay.

For young, pregnant, nursing or ill piggies Alfalfa hay can be helpful. This should not be fed to healthy adult piggies due to high calcium and protein content. Small quanties as a supplement should be ok but not as main food.

The best hay for bedding is soft hay as opposed to stalky hay which can poke you.

Green hay has more minerals and Vitamin A and E.

Brown hay has more Vitamin D from being in sun longer but has less good stuff in it.

Check out Galens Garden Hay section for lots of information.