What is the best bedding hay for guinea pigs?

Recommended types of guinea pig bedding. Nowadays, most responsible guinea pig owners use paper-based bedding, aspen bedding or fleece. These three choices are the most common bedding types for a good reason – they are safe to use and have a lot of pros.

Can guinea pigs have straw bedding?

Just like people, some guinea pigs appear to be more sensitive than others. Straw is not recommended as it usually contains very hard and often sharp stalks which can cause hay stick injuries. It is also not an appropriate substitute for hay, as it has very little nutritional value.

What is the difference between feeding hay and bedding hay?

‘Feeding hay’ is fresher, greener, smells better, tastes better, and has more nutrients in it. ‘Bedding hay’ is dryer, ideal for bedding, but not so great for nibbling, although, it’s not a problem if your rabbits occasionally eat it! Ideally, your rabbit should also have access to grass.

What is the difference between hay and straw?

Hay is a crop that is grown and harvested as a feed crop for cattle, horses and other farm animals. Straw on the other hand is a byproduct of a grain crop; in our area it’s usually usually wheat straw that we see.

Can you use hay as bedding?

Straw is normally used for a bedding material, while hay is used as a feed supplement. Straw is dried out and works well for building nests and providing cushioning for animals to sleep in.

Can feeding hay be used as bedding?

Hay can be used for bedding but even “be dding” hay will get eaten. Timothy hay is very stalky and great for teeth waring but not so good for bedding due to risk of eye pokes. you can feed meadow and use as bedding as well.

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 much bedding hay do guinea pigs need?

For bedding, cedar and pine shavings are NOT recommended due to chemicals they both contain. Especially when soiled, these aromatic wood shavings can produce fumes that irritate a guinea pig’s respiratory system and feet. Use bedding made from paper. Provide two to three inches of bedding so absorption is maximized.

Is hay better than straw for bedding?

Straw—Not Hay—for Outdoor Cat Shelters They look similar, but while straw makes excellent bedding for outdoor cat shelters, hay becomes a soggy mess. Hay is typically used to feed animals, like horses. It soaks up moisture, making it cold and uncomfortable for cats—and has the potential to get moldy.

What’s the difference between eating hay and bedding hay?

Hay and grass It’s important to know the difference between ‘feeding hay’ and ‘bedding hay’ – they are both dried grass, but nutritionally, they are very different. ‘Feeding hay’ is fresher, greener, smells better, tastes better, and has more nutrients in it.

Can guinea pigs live on hay alone?

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.