Hay for rodents: fragrant staple food from meadow and alp

Hay: the most important food in a rodent home

For guinea pigs and chinchillas hay is the staple food and should be available around the clock. It supplies the crude fibre that keeps the digestion going, and during long chewing it makes sure the lifelong growing teeth wear down. You will find meadow hay, mountain meadow hay and organic hay in pack sizes from half a kilo up to a larger sack.

How to recognise good hay

Good hay smells herby and pleasant, has a loose structure and feels dry. The stalks should be of clearly different lengths, because exactly that structure encourages long chewing. Mountain meadow hay is usually finer and richer in herbs, while meadow hay is a little coarser. Varieties with camomile or marigold bring extra variety to the taste and are often taken with real enthusiasm. Store hay dry, airy and not directly on the floor, then it stays fresh and aromatic for a long time.

Offering and topping up

Hay is best kept in a rack, where it stays clean and dry and does not get trampled into the bedding. Top up smaller portions more often rather than stuffing the rack full once. That way the hay stays fragrant and is taken better. When you top up, check whether leftovers at the bottom have gone damp and take those out. Hay also works as enrichment, for instance stuffed into a willow tube or a hay tunnel. Small packs are good for trying new varieties, while larger sacks pay off if you look after a whole group of animals over the winter.

Frequently asked questions

How much hay do my animals need?
With guinea pigs and chinchillas there should always be some available. Topping up in small portions keeps it fresh and fragrant.

What sets mountain meadow hay apart?
Mountain meadow hay is usually finer and richer in herbs, meadow hay a little coarser. Both work as staple food, so try what goes down better.

How do I store hay properly?
Dry, airy and not directly on the floor. Moisture is the biggest enemy, so hay never belongs in a sealed plastic sack.