Meadow Hay or Other?

[maxthegerbil]

Hi Everyone. I was discussing the use of hay on another forum yesterday and I`ve always bought Timothy hay and sometimes alfalfa for my gerbils.

It`s much easier for me to buy and scource ordinary meadow hay in my immediate area, because in order for me to get hold of either timothy or alfalfa, I either have to rely on someone with a car to get to a larger supplier like pets at home, or I have to order it over the internet, which can be more expensive.

So my question is, can I use meadow hay for the gerbils to chew and nest with a few times a week? Or is it a common knowledge that gerbils should have timothy or alfalfa? I only ask because if the gerbils are happy enough with meadow hay, it would make my life that much easier!

[doomgerbiluk]

the problem with hay is what might be in it
I would freeze it to be sure its pest free and do check it doesnt have any twine etc in it. Be sure it does not have pesticides etc on it too.

[maxthegerbil]

Hi doomgerbiluk. I just wonder whether all hay is regarded as being `infested` with something, or whether it`s just luck as to whether you get a good bag or a bad bag? I just assumed that buying timothy or alfalfa from the beginning was the correct brands to get, but if I were to give them ordinary meadow hay, would`nt there be just the same risk with this as there would be with say timothy hay? Is there a process they put hay though to erradicate mites and such? I`m not sure. I just inagined that hay pre-packed would be fine. It`s the bales from the farm you have to avoid! Anyone else shed some light on this for me? I know about the dust and mite problems with hay, but what I`m asking is, would the gerbils be just as happy with meadow hay as they would timothy hay?

[sandy]

Freeze it well, for about a week, should do it. Break apart the hay looking for string etc. Degu owners do this too.

[kansascitykennel]

meadow hay should be fine, they pretty much are saying that just freeze it for a bit to be sure it is clean

Kathy