Hay
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- Category: Care
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The most important thing in a guinea pigs diet is HAY, more HAY and, even more HAY (important enough to say it three times!).
Guineas have 20 teeth, 4 incisors at the front and 16 molars which are hidden from sight by their cheek pads. Their teeth are open rooted meaning they grow constantly and hay is the only thing that will wear the teeth down.
Hay should form around 80% of the diet and should be always available. Just placing a small amount a couple of times a day is not sufficient. If you spend time watching guineas you will notice that they are grazers, eating little and often rather than larger meals. Guineas eat hay throughout the day and night, often after a mouthful of veg or pellets and it is important for digestion and well-being.
Guineas get stressed when hay is absent and it can lead to pairs falling out. Guineas need to eat regularly to keep their digestive system working. If they don't eat or are unable to eat they can end up with gut statis which requires immediate veterinary treatment and ongoing intensive care from owners. Hay should always be loose on floor level and unrestricted, hay racks and bags are not advised as guineas can (and do) get stuck in them and sadly many guineas have passed away from getting trapped in a bag or rack. We don't climb or jump to eat things and neither should our guineas! Hay is also enrichment providing foraging and hiding places for guineas.
Hay should be relatively dust free, sweet smelling and fresh, damp or musty smelling hay is bad and should be thrown away or returned if you’ve just bought it. It can make your piggie and you ill.