Hay, Hay, Hay!!!

Hay isn't just something guinea pigs eat, it's one of the most important forms of enrichment you can provide.

Guinea pigs are natural foragers, diggers and burrowers, so they need plenty of loose hay spread across the floor of their enclosure. A small amount in a hay rack, bag or corner tray doesn't allow them to properly forage, dig and burrow.

I know fleece-lined cages can look absolutely beautiful. They can be very neat, colourful and aesthetically pleasing, but sometimes the focus on making a cage look pretty can mean the guinea pig's natural enrichment needs are overlooked.

I'm always disappointed by the number of enquiries we receive where guinea pigs are living on lovely fleece setups but have only a small amount of hay in a bag or rack. A beautiful cage isn't necessarily an enriched cage.

Having lots of hay available gives guinea pigs something natural and rewarding to do throughout the day. It provides mental stimulation, reduces boredom and can help prevent frustrated repetitive behaviours such as bar chewing. It's also helpful for bonded pairs and groups, giving them something to forage through together and plenty of space to spread out, which can help prevent tension and conflicts.

And of course, hay is essential for their diet, dental and digestive health, so quality matters too. Good hay should be green, fresh-smelling and appealing rather than dusty or musty.

One of my favourites is the Meadow Hay from Hay & Straw. I usually buy the 9kg bag, which is around £20, and it is generally lovely, soft, green and fresh-smelling. Smaller bags are available too.

Hay & Straw Meadow Hay

So don't think of hay as simply something to put in a rack and refill when it's eaten. Think of it as food AND enrichment. 

Give them enough that they can really get stuck into it, forage, dig, burrow, explore and make a complete mess!