Is timothy hay or alfalfa better for guinea pigs?

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. Unless the hay in your pet's habitat is soiled, do not replace it as this could encourage picky eating!

What hay is best for guinea pigs to eat?

Ensure that your guinea pigs have a constant supply of grass and/or grass hay (such as Timothy, Oaten, Barley, or grassy hay). Guinea pigs should not be fed Lucerne (alfalfa) or Clover hay, as these are too high in protein and calcium.

Which cutting of hay is best for guinea pigs?

2nd cut Timothy hay is the most popular, and generally accepted as the best hay for guinea pigs. Orchard hay comes in at a close second. Other types of hay, such as meadow hay, bluegrass, brome, bermuda grass, and oat hay are also safe for guinea pigs.

Is alfalfa timothy hay good for guinea pigs?

UNLIMITED Timothy Hay is recommended for guinea pigs. For young Guinea pigs under the age of 4 months and pregnant or lactating mothers, Alfalfa hay is also recommended. For those cavies, you could mix half Timothy and Alfalfa.

What's the difference between alfalfa and timothy hay?

Alfalfa hay is higher in protein and calories, but timothy hay has more fiber and better calcium to phosphorus ratio. If you feed your horse a mixture of these two types of hay, it will get the best combinations possible for optimum nutrition.

GUINEA PIG HAY | Why Do Guinea Pigs Need Hay | TIMOTHY vs MEADOW Hay | Alfalfa | Which Hay is BEST?

Is Timothy Hay good for guinea pigs?

Timothy hay: Provide an unlimited quantity of fresh timothy hay every day. Guinea pigs need continuous access to hay to aid their digestion and limit the growth of their teeth. Fruit and vegetables: Fresh vegetables can be offered once a day and should be equivalent to about one cup total per guinea pig per day.

Is alfalfa or timothy hay more expensive?

Alfalfa has more nutrients than the Timothy hay. With Timothy, your animal's gut will be in a good state. Even lesser number of nutrients, the Timothy hay is more costly than Alfalfa. Remember, what you'll choose will depend on your horse's needs.

Is timothy hay better than orchard grass for guinea pigs?

Timothy Hay is easier to get and provides the optimal balance of nutrition ranging from fiber, protein, and calcium for guinea pigs. The high fiber content found in timothy hay helps maintain normal digestive health. Orchard Hay is an excellent alternative for guinea parents who have allergy to timothy hay.

How long do guinea pigs need alfalfa?

Guinea pigs over 6 months should be fed timothy pellets. Pellets containing alfalfa contain a large of calcium (alfalfa is calcium-rich). Guinea pigs 6 months or less need the extra calcium for development; guinea pigs over 6 months don't.

Is timothy hay or meadow hay better for guinea pigs?

However; to get the best quality for your Guinea Pigs ensure you ask for “horse” hay, not “cattle” hay. Meadow hay is less predictable in content than Timothy but being softer makes it far more pleasant to forage and/or make into a bed.

Can hay be too dry for guinea pigs?

Make sure you buy high-quality hay for your guinea pigs. This means it has a nice color, has a nice fresh hay smell, is dry, but is not very dusty. Dusty hay can cause allergies for both you and your guinea pig. You don't want all your hay to be brown and dried out because it won't have much nutritional value left.

Which is better 1st or 2nd cut hay 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.

Can guinea pigs use timothy hay for bedding?

Guinea pigs always should have access to grass or timothy hay. The fiber helps wear down their continuously growing teeth, preventing dental difficulties.

Which timothy hay is best for guinea pigs?

Is Timothy grass the same as timothy hay?

Timothy Grass has a slightly higher protein and is greener in appearance. Timothy Hay is a mix of leaves and stems from Timothy grass, which is a perennial bunch grass. Timothy Hay is high in fiber and low in protein which is a combination critical to the health of rabbits and other small animals.

What should I feed my guinea pigs daily?

The preferred basic diet for guinea pigs is unlimited amounts of Timothy or other low-calcium hay, supplemented with smaller amounts of a commercial, high-fiber, Timothy-hay based guinea pig pellets. Vitamin C (see below) should be given each day. Hay should be offered free-choice throughout the day.

What can I give my guinea pig instead of hay?

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 often should I change my guinea pigs hay?

Since replacing the hay in your guinea pig's habitat can encourage picky eating, we recommend changing it only when soiled. 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.

Why is alfalfa hay good for baby guinea pigs?

At certain times of life, alfalfa hay is an appropriate feed for guinea pigs. Pregnant and nursing guinea pigs, and babies under the age of 6 months, need extra calcium and protein in their diets, so feeding alfalfa is fine for them.

What is the difference between orchard grass and timothy hay?

Orchard Grass is higher in protein (10-12%), higher in calorie content and contains the same balanced levels of calcium and phosphorus as Timothy grass. The higher calorie content of Orchard Grass is a result of higher fiber digestibility compared to Timothy Grass.

Are hay cubes OK for guinea pigs?

These cubes feature filler-free, western-cut timothy hay to provide your little one with her daily dietary needs. Hay is a healthier choice than alfalfa for rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas with low protein and calcium to help maintain a proper gastrointestinal balance.

What's the difference between hay and alfalfa?

One of the biggest differences between alfalfa hay and grass hay is the protein content. On average, alfalfa hay has much higher levels of protein, ranging from 15% to 21% depending on when the alfalfa was cut. This is much higher than the protein levels of grass hay, which typically contains 10% or less protein.

What hay is lowest in sugar?

Low sugar hay is extremely important in a horse's diet due to its health properties and the enormous benefits it can offer. While lucerne usually has lower sugar than a lot of grass hays, it more often than not tests HIGHER in sugar, starch & protein compared to our Low Sugar Hay.

Which cut of hay is best?

The most common choice of hay is second cutting, but first cutting is also good for horses, plus it is usually cheaper than the other two. Choose hay that is soft, green, and leafy, with thin stems, so it is easier for horses to eat.

Can guinea pigs eat too much hay?

The short answer is that you really can't put too much hay in a rabbit or guinea pig's habitat. The more hay they have available, the greater their opportunity to constantly forage and graze, which is extremely important not just for their physical health, but for their mental stimulation as well.