Straw?

[Piggie buddies]

Hi
Now that its getting quite cold, is straw is acceptable for guinea pigs outdoor? We have very large bales of straw for the cows and I'm wandering if its safe for guinea pigs. I'm afraid if its dusty and it might cause URI. Deigo is allergic too would shavings and we are spending too much money on dust extracted meadow hay just to keep the piggies warm at night. Obviously we will keep buying hay for the hay rack and it will cut down the usage of good quality hay. So does the straw sound ok?

 

[VickiA]

I'm afraid that straw is not suitable for Guinea pigs. It has virtually no nutritional value for piggies and poses a very real risk to their eyes.
Could you perhaps invest in some snugglesafe heat pads and some cosies to put in the hutch? Other wise perhaps pack a small box with hay. Cardboard insulates and a box house stuffed with hay can make a good warm snuggly bed for the night.

 

[TheCavySlave]

@VickiA is completely right- straw is useless as bedding, not only because of eye-poking but its absorbency level is...well, nothing. @Adelle makes little snuggies which are great for keeping piggies cosy.

 

[Piggie buddies]

Ill think about snuggle safe pads but if i heated it up wrong would in not burn hay and start a fire or am I just over exaggerating...

 

[TheCavySlave]

Ill think about snuggle safe pads but if i heated it up wrong would in not burn hay and start a fire or am I just over exaggerating...

I'm sure they're safe Never used them myself, but if you're genuinely concerned use @VickiA's hay box house idea. Hay is indeed snuggly.

 

[VickiA]

I'm sure they are safe. Loads of members use them, and they usually come with a cosy cover, too.