Stopping Hay Lice... Is It As Easy As Freezing Hay Beforehand

[Jojessgaz]

Sorry seems a silly question. I'm treating my two girls for lice which I have been told could have come from the hay so I have thrown all away and started with new. They are both doing well and will get their 2nd dose of xeno in a few days..BUT how can I try and prevent it happening again. I read somewhere free for 24hrs all hay that goes in their hutch either to eat or bedding to kill anything. Is that OK ? Just freeze and thaw then use as normal?

 

[RosieMaia]

All US-imported hay has passed mandatory low-dose radiation (it's perfectly safe to eat) to make it sterile - this is pursuant to EU's import laws. Therefore, to be certain your hay is bug-free, you can purchase hays like Oxbow or Alfalfa timothy. 60% of the hay I use is imported from the US.Keep in mind that radiation doesn't prevent subsequent moulding or fungus, if the hay isn't stored properly.

For EU-produced hay, you can either freeze it for 24 hours, or microwave it for 20-60 seconds (depending on your microwave's power). I've done the microwaving when my pigs have been with an impaired immune system - e.g. very young (first three weeks), ill or recovering from surgery. Otherwise, I haven't felt the need to sterilize hay.

 

[Jojessgaz]

Thanks @RosieMaia I think I was poss just unlucky but they seem to love the Timothy hay from wilko which is cheep... I felt awful getting it cos of that but the expensive £8 recommended one I got they don't like at all. So I just wanted piece of mind before I put it in the cage... like you say probably after they have been given the all clear I will slowly go back to just adding it in . Thx