is there any reason i cant use straw?

[Spishkey]

as it gets colder I'm trying to really keep the gp's cages warmer, have so far draped thick blankets over the sides (leaving the front 'open' for circulation) added lots of hidey holes/boxes to snuggle in and 'try' adding lots of hay, but they keep eating it before the night comes so thats no good.
i have a bale of straw which i use for bedding for the minipigs and chicken, is it safe to use with guinea pigs too? its not as expensive as the hay i buy so dont mind using loads of it daily!

 

[flintstones]

Don't quote me on this but I'm sure I read somewere they can hurt there eyes with it! Not sure quite how much truth is in that!

 

[KingBoris&HisFollowers]

Straw is much to hard and stalky,it can cause eye injurys more easily than hay,its also not soft to walk on and it in my opinion provides less warmth for them than hay,
If the piggies did try to eat the straw it has no nutritional value for them,
a cheap bale of meadow hay would be fine for bedding as long as it isnt dusty x

 

[Spishkey]

hmmm maybe its not straw i have then (this is quite soft thick pieces of somethings, has a 'silky' feel to it, looks extremely comfy to lie on!) will get a pic of it...

 

[daleksarah]

straw is too rough for them hay is much softer bedding and theres not really much price wise between hay and straw,you could mix cheap and dear hay together or maybe have a hay rack which they can nibble from although they will nibble the bedding mine like to just lie there amongst the hay and nible as they relax!its a good life for some

 

[Spishkey]

hay must be a lot more expensive over here then than in england, and i get my from a farm(!)

(5kg mini bale hay = €16 5kg mini bale straw stuff = €6!) 5kg hay lasts my lot a week at the moment!

what do you guys pay for hay please?

 

[Tallulah]

I generally use hay, but I agree they eat it so fast, especially in winter. Some hay is much softer, and shorter. I have read the dangers and eye injuries too, so wouldn't like ot advise, but I wonder if some of it is soft and short enough to be ok. Not sure, just a thought.

 

[Niki]

You can use short- cropped straw like Russel Rabbit or similar brands as this is very soft. I've used short- cropped straw topped with hay for the past 2.5yrs with no problems

 

[higilty]

i get mine from a farm too and pay £2.50 for a bail,

i usually get two a month as i clean them every two to three days

 

[amentalcat]

It sounds like you have got Barley Straw, which is very, very soft. I normally have a bale or two of it around that i use to pack the piggies hutches with in the colder weather. I wouldn't use any other type as it would be a bit scratchy and could poke them in the eyes etc.

My Barley straw is softer than the meadow hay that i get and i do find that it is good for providing extra bedding that won't be eaten! It should only be used as an extra though, rather than as the only bedding.

Ali