Choosing the right hay is necessary for the overall well-being of a guinea pig. As 80% of their diet consists of hay, so choosing the best hay for your pet is important. A good quality hay is not only tasty for the piggy but also affects their delicate digestive system and ever-growing teeth.
Timothy hay and orchard grass are two of the most popular products that piggy owners love to feed their furry companions. Both of them have a few similar features, so new piggy parents may wonder which is best for their beloved piggy.
Here I have compared Timothy hay and orchard grass to determine which one reigns supreme for the tiny rodents.
Why is hay essential for guinea pigs?
Hay is considered life and death for piggies. Here’s why it is non-negotiable.
Dental health
As you know, the teeth of guinea pigs grow continuously. So, to wear them naturally, the only way is to chew coarse hay for hours daily. Your piggy may suffer from misaligned teeth and painful overgrowth if they are not given sufficient hay to chew.
Good digestive health
Hay contains indigestible fiber that prevents deadly conditions like GI stasis and keeps their delicate digestive system moving.
Promotes better mental health
Foraging through hay prevents boredom and provides mental stimulation. This keeps your piggy active and happy.
Comparing timothy hay vs orchard grass for guinea pigs
Timothy hay
What is it?
This hay is recognizable by its stiff stalks, coarse texture, a mix of golden and green hues, and seed heads. Timothy hay is mostly recommended for adult guinea pigs.
Packed with nutrition
This hay is ideal for maintaining adult piggies as it has high fiber content, balanced calcium, and moderate protein levels. It is best for healthy and senior piggies.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Grinding down continuous teeth is possible with the coarse stems of timothy hay. It also provides excellent abrasion resistance. | The sensitive respiratory system of your piggy may get irritated from lower-quality hay that can be dusty. |
| This Hay is quite affordable and is easily available in pet stores, online, and from farm suppliers. | Some picky eaters or piggies with dental discomfort may refuse to eat the hay due to its toughness, especially in the 1st cut. |
| It is loved and preferred by most guinea pigs, and they readily eat it. | Baby piggies under 6 months should avoid eating Timothy hay as its high fiber content can be harsh for them. |
Orchard grass
What’s it?
Orchard grass is leafier, finer, and softer than Timothy. It is greener and has a sweeter, fragrant aroma. However, it lacks the prominent seed heads, unlike Timothy.
Nutritional value
Although this grass has slightly lower calcium levels, it offers very high fiber compared to Timothy. Orchard grass can be fed daily.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has a gentle texture with softer leaves and stalks that can be perfect for piggies with sensitive mouths. Orchard grass can also be a good choice for young piggies. | It is less abrasive and may not be as effective as coarse timothy for the teeth of a guinea pig. |
| Contains lower levels of natural dust when taken out of the bale. | The cost of this grass may be on the higher side. It may not be as easily available as Timothy. Availability mostly depends on the supplier and location. |
| It can be ideal for picky eaters because of its tender texture and sweet smell. | Some guinea pigs dislike its mild flavor, potentially reducing hay intake if abruptly introduced. |
| It is allergy-friendly, so humans with grass allergies can feed their beloved pet without worrying about getting an allergic. | Prone to mold if stored improperly, risking respiratory or digestive problems. |
Timothy hay vs. orchard grass: differences
| Features | Timothy Hay | Orchard Grass |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Stiff, coarse stems | Leafier, softer, finer |
| Cost | Are affordable | Sometimes higher cost |
| Dust level | Often dusty | Less dusty |
| Calcium level | Moderate | Low to moderate |
| Best for the ages, | Seniors and adults | All ages (mostly picky and sensitive) |
| Dental wear | Better abrasion | Lesser abrasion |
| Fiber content | Very high | Very high |
| Palatability | Mostly good | Very high |
| Ideal use | Used by most adult piggies | Used mostly by picky/sensitive piggies. |
| Availability | Available easily | Availability depends on location and supplier |
Which hay is better for your piggy?
- Healthy adult piggy: The superior dental wear and perfect balance of timothy hay make it ideal for healthy adult piggies.
- Sensitive or picky eater: Orchard grass is the winner for older piggies who are picky or sensitive. It is more gentle and palatable than Timothy.
- Young piggies (under 6 months old): Even though the young pups need alfalfa hay, gentle orchard grass can also be fed slowly. As they approach adulthood, introduce them to Timothy gradually.
- Piggies with dental issues: Often, the softer 2nd cut timothy is recommended for piggies with dental issues. Being less abrasive, orchard grass can be easier for them to eat initially. Consult your vet to find out the best grass for your furry companion.
- Mixing both grasses: Often, experts suggest mixing Timothy and orchard grass to feed to your guinea pigs. This offers dental benefits, keeping picky eaters interested due to the palatability of orchard grass. A 50/50 or 70/30 mix ensures balanced nutrition and variety in texture/taste.
Tips for choosing the best hay for piggy perfection
- Quality: Always buy fresh-smelling, green hay. Yellow, dusty, brown, and musty hay should be avoided.
- Unlimited supply: Guinea pigs need constant access to hay. So, refill hay racks several times a day. To encourage natural foraging, place a pile on the cage floor.
- Storing is important: avoid sealing the hay tightly in plastic bags as it can cause mold, as plastic bags trap moisture. Always keep the hay in a dark, dry, and cool place inside a breathable container like a well-ventilated bin or cloth bags.
- Transition should be done gradually: mix the new and old hay together. To avoid digestive upset, gradually increase the new type over 7 to 10 days.
Recap
Both Timothy hay and orchard grass can be included in your guinea pig’s primary diet. Timothy is best for senior and healthy, adult piggies who need to robust their dental wear. On the other hand, orchard grass can be a good option for picky eaters, young pups, and senior piggies struggling with tougher hay.
Unlimited high-quality hay provides the best foundation for the happy, healthy, and long life of your furry companion.
