Orchard grass vs. Timothy hay

[equestrianjumper94]

Today I went out to buy the girls some hay. The store was all out of timothy hay so I asked if they had anymore in the back, which they didn't and their next shipment wouldnt be untill thursday. The store owner told me that I could give them Oxbow Orchard grass, I was unsure about it but she said that the only difference is the proteins and fiber are a bit different. I decided to try it out, once we finnish the bag we will go back to Timothy hay. Though I was wondering, which is best and what are the differences between Orchard grass and timothy hay?

[3piggles]

Orchard Grass is fine if there's no timothy hay. Timothy moves the food through the pig better than any other. If you notice a change in their digestion, cut back on the veggies until they get sorted.

[Pigjes]

Dried grasses are a good alternative to hay, especially for pigs/people who are allergic. Someone cavy savvy on Guinealynx did a survey for years to see if the teeth wear down the same and to see if the bowels react differently. There is absolutely no difference at all.

[belmorais]

I give my pigs Orchard Grass as a treat, they like it very much and it makes for a healthy snack

[yodelpig]

Most of my piggies do love orchard grass better than timothy (the quality I get is not as good), so I try to offer both. Timothy hay may be a bit more effective, but your piggies won't suffer from eating something else!

[pickles]

Pickles preferrs Timothy over Orchard! Oxbox has a wide selection of different hay/grass at my local pet store! Is there any other types of grass or hay I give as a treat other than timothy or orchard? I should clairify Pickles and Peppers get Timothy everyday!

[belmorais]

I order from www.thehayexperts.co.uk/, they have a nice variety that we never get to see in Holland otherwise.

[3piggles]

Check with Pigjes about the Hay Experts. Don't know for sure, but I think they are the ones that sent her mouldy hay. Again, don't know for sure. It just means not to order very far in advance as the hay doesn't last.

We have a lot of choices in stores, here, especially feed/grain stores, but I've found the pigs like the Timothy the best. They are now totally spoiled with Kleenmama. I wish they shipped around the world, as their hay is about is close as we can get to picking it ourselves.

A variety of hays and grasses gives pigs choices, which they love, and it shows which ones they favor. Never hurts to let them tell us what they like!!!

[Pigjes]

I was very disappointed with the large shipment I ordered from The Hay Experts indeed. After 4 months, I threw away 3 very large bags of moldy hay. I have never ever had mold the way I store them here on top of my cabinets in the living room. Such a waste. The also didn't reply to my mail, I didn't even ask for a refund, I just reported it.

[belmorais]

Pigjes that is awful. So far I always got really good stuff from them . I dont order hay but the dried grasses and the Science Selective has always been very good.