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Post by Kenshin on Oct 15, 2004 19:13:45 GMT -8
Hey I was thinking that next time I clean my gerbil's cage I was going to mix my aspen bedding with it which type of HAY is good *such as the type at pet'smart\petco* like the best brand also, I use Kaytee Aspen Beddings is that ok? Thank's!!!
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Post by j on Oct 16, 2004 17:23:35 GMT -8
Kaytee Aspen is fine. I've been using it for years. Any kind of hay of Hay you get at Petsmart or Petco should be fine. I think the only kinds they have are Timothy and Alfalfa. I've used both without any problems. Doesn't really work as a bedding though, they'll eat it all. Umm hay brands.. probably anything by Kaytee.  I think Horse type hay is the best type though if you have any stores like that in your area. Actually I've been getting my hay for $2 at a craft store.. I guess people use them in crafts. |
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Post by lydia on Oct 16, 2004 17:59:36 GMT -8
I guess you're both in the U.S.A.,in the u.k.,we need to buy our hay for our small pets pre-packed from pet stores.
If we buy a bale or sections (biscuits) from a local farmer or stables, we run a very real risk of introducing mites.
The pre-packed hay from pet stores is treated to kill mites.
The hay doesn't look or smell any different,and my rodents love nibbling it.
Lyd
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Post by Kenshin on Oct 16, 2004 18:10:24 GMT -8
Eat it all um.. Is that bad if they eat load's of hay? lol I would think that would add some extra weight in there system's.... And the reason im getting hay is cause I've heard it helps them trim their teeth and they can make tunnel's easier... is that correct? Thank's P.S. J What type of HAY between those two do you think is the best? The last thing I need is allergic reactions I hate refilling my 30 gal tank :-P
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Post by queenofthenile on Oct 17, 2004 5:28:29 GMT -8
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Post by Kenshin on Oct 17, 2004 17:44:23 GMT -8
Ok I got timithy hay today at pet's mart I redid the gerbil's cage and on one side there's alot of hay for eating\bedding\nest making even though it's just two males, they seem to love eating it lol, That's not bad is it?
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Post by doomgerbiluk on Oct 17, 2004 18:19:09 GMT -8
no hay is nutritious
better as a ood supplement than a bedding i think
provide plain tisssue as well
freeze the hay before use if possible to avoid mites
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Post by j on Oct 17, 2004 21:06:04 GMT -8
lol I don't mind refilling my 30gallon, I just hate the cleaning part.
They won't be allergic to Hay. I don't really know the differences between Timothy and Alfalfa, I think they just have different mineral amounts and things in them. I know people that use it for like rabbits and guinea pigs just mix them. It won't make them fat, it's high in fiber...it will probably just make them go to the bathroom a lot. lol.
Hay is better as a supplement though. Like give them a little everyday or a handfull every couple of days. Won't kill them but filling a tank with a lot and them eating a lot of it can throw their diet off balance. If it's the first time they've ever had hay, probably nothing to worry about with them eating it all. Just wait a week or so before giving them anymore. lol.
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Post by ishido on Oct 19, 2004 0:03:10 GMT -8
Timothy is better and softer than alfalfa. Alfalfa is higher in calcium, but that is more likely to cause urinary tract infections. Maybe not a big of a deal in gerbils, butTimothy is definitely softer. You also have to spot quality hay as well. Be sure to only buy Timothy that is super green. As green as possible... If it looks remotely yellow it's no good. It should also feel soft when you squeeze it. You should be able to tell an obvious difference when you squeeze Timothy vs. Alfalfa. My girlfriend w/ many guinea pigs taught me this  I drop in a handful every few days or so. They love doing their precision nibbling on it. They don't eat it like rabbits or guinea pigs, but it's high in fiber and they'll eat it when they want to. They spend most of their time shredding it. I've only seen them actually eat it a few times. If they hold a piece horizontally then they are shredding it. If they hold it out like a straw then they are eating it. You'll know they're eating it when the piece they are holding disappears |
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Post by dapple on Oct 20, 2004 0:52:41 GMT -8
Even after you tell people it is bad for their animals, they still buy the stuff.....
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Post by queenofthenile on Oct 20, 2004 6:03:12 GMT -8
Dapple, are you talking about the potential for infectious bacteria, or other reasons?
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Post by sweetie on Oct 20, 2004 17:26:48 GMT -8
I give hay to mine intermittently. When I first gave it to the boys, they got green poop. I do not give it to them daily though. I imagine too much of anything is not good.
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