Fresh hay provides the essential nutrients your guinea pig needs, but it also helps grind down the guinea pig’s teeth and supports healthy digestion. The best kind of hay for guinea pigs is timothy hay , though other low-calcium grass hays like oat hay and orchard grass can be fed occasionally.
Is first or second cut hay better for guinea pigs?
Second cutting hay contains more soft leafy content than the first cutting , it is more palatable and guinea pigs prefer it to the first cutting of hay.
What hay is better for guinea pigs?
Your guinea pig should have unlimited access to high quality grass hay . Your guinea pig should eat a pile of hay as big as his body every day. Avoid alfalfa hay unless directed by your veterinarian. Instead choose timothy, orchard grass or oat hay.
What is the healthiest hay for guinea pigs?
Out of all grass hays, timothy hay is the most popular type as it contains the ideal balance of nutrients: it’s high in fiber and low in protein, calcium and calories. It’s also pleasantly aromatic and palatable. Indeed, timothy hay is the best kind of hay for all guinea pigs.
What is the difference between 1st 2nd and 3rd cut timothy hay?
To begin with, 1st cutting is the first hay cut from that field for the year. It tends to be more coarse and have more grasses in it. 2nd cutting is usually greener in color and has a sweeter smell. And lastly, 3rd cutting is very thick and rich .
How can you tell good quality hay?
- Maturity – High quality hay will have a high proportion of leaves in the bale, with few or no coarse stems or seed heads.
- Condition – High quality hay will contain little dust or mold.
- Color & odor – High quality hay generally has a bright green color and a sweet, fresh odor.
What can replace hay for guinea pigs?
On the whole, fresh grass is the best choice to temporarily replace hay. Guinea pigs can forage for this in the backyard, replicating natural behaviors, or grass can grown in trays inside. It is important to be selective about the type of grass you use for your guinea pig’s diet, and to introduce it slowly.
How long can a guinea pig go without eating hay?
Although hay is considered their primary diet that is very nutritious and rich in fiber, they should also be provided with pellets, vegetables and fruits. There is no specific rule for how long guinea pigs can go without food, but generally, they should not be kept hungry for more than twelve hours .
Can guinea pigs survive on just hay?
So we know that guinea pigs should eat a lot of hay. It’s an essential part of a guinea pigs diet. ... It may be tempting to just leave them be with the hay they need to sleep on and eat, but it really is not good for them . If your guinea pig is only eating hay, try and wean them onto eating veggies as well.
Can guinea pigs eat first cut hay?
First-cut timothy hay is high in fiber with a coarse texture. ... First-cut hay has more seed heads which guinea pigs love but are less nutritious. Look for second or third-cut timothy hay for your guinea pig. Proper leaf-to-stem ratio.
Can guinea pigs eat grass instead of hay?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat grass since it contains some helpful nutrients. However, it can’t replace hay since hay has roughage and nutrients your piggies can’t get in any other foods. Grass from the lawn may also contain pesticides, weed killers, or any other chemicals that may be harmful to cavies.
What fruit can a guinea pig eat?
Small, bite-sized portions of fruit served daily will delight your guinea pig and provide much-needed Vitamin C. Fruits guinea pigs can eat include: Oranges . Apples . Pears .
Can guinea pigs eat alfalfa hay?
Young (less than six months old), pregnant, nursing, or ill animals can benefit from eating alfalfa hay in addition to grass hay because of the higher nutritional elements. Otherwise, alfalfa should only be given occasionally as a treat. Keep in mind: Grass hay should make up the majority of your pet’s daily diet.
Does second cut hay have more sugar?
Second cutting will be leafy but doesn’t have the higher sugar content . But second cutting “looks” better. Most of the time, grass founder is caused by over-feeding, under-utilizing the horse–they just don’t burn up the calories! IMO, most horses do better on lesser quality feed, but more of it.
Can horses eat 3rd cutting hay?
Third Cutting
It is also leafy and soft , so the horses will find it appealing. However, it lacks fiber compared to first and second cuttings, and horses need a lot of fiber, plus it can be difficult for them to digest. You can solve that by mixing some third cut hay with first or second cuttings.
Can rabbits eat fresh cut hay?
The main component of every rabbit’s diet should be fresh grass or hay (dried grass). Its high fibre content is the single most important thing in maintaining good dental and intestinal health.
