Is orchard grass good for guinea pigs?

Is orchard grass good for guinea pigs?

Orchard Grass Hay for Guinea Pigs Orchard hay is a suitable hay for guinea pigs young and old, and can be free fed on a daily basis. Like timothy, orchard hay is nutrient rich and low in calcium. Orchard grass is often softer than timothy, so it may encourage fussy guinea pigs to eat more hay.

Is timothy hay better than orchard grass for guinea pigs?

Timothy Hay is easier to get and provides the optimal balance of nutrition ranging from fiber, protein, and calcium for guinea pigs. The high fiber content found in timothy hay helps maintain normal digestive health. Orchard Hay is an excellent alternative for guinea parents who have allergy to timothy hay.

How long does it take for a guinea to grow?

Usually, guinea pigs are considered adults at 6 months of age. This is around 24 weeks. However, growth will slow substantially at about 14 weeks.

What’s better timothy or orchard grass?

Orchard Grass is higher in protein (10-12%), higher in calorie content and contains the same balanced levels of calcium and phosphorus as Timothy grass. The higher calorie content of Orchard Grass is a result of higher fiber digestibility compared to Timothy Grass.

Does orchard grass make good hay?

Orchardgrass is a versatile grass and can be used for pasture, hay, green chop, or silage. A high-quality grass, it will provide excellent feed for most classes of livestock.

Is orchard grass vs timothy hay better for rabbits?

Orchard grass is more heat and drought tolerant than timothy grass. Orchard grass grows rapidly at cool temperatures, is very productive in early spring and recovers quickly af ter cutting. Orchard grass, in our experience, usually runs a bit higher on the protein scale than timothy.

What hay is bad for guinea pigs?

Ensure that your guinea pigs have a constant supply of grass and/or grass hay (such as Timothy, Oaten, Barley, or grassy hay). Guinea pigs should not be fed Lucerne (alfalfa) or Clover hay, as these are too high in protein and calcium.

How fast do guinea pigs reproduce?

The estrous cycle length is 16 days. A female is fertile for about 6 to 11 hours, most often during night hours. Female guinea pigs begin a new estrous cycle shortly after giving birth. The guinea pig gestation period is 59 to 72 days. The litter size ranges from 1 to 8 pups, but a litter of 2 to 4 is more common.

When should you plant orchard grass?

Ideally, orchard grass should be planted in August or September. You may wait until October or November is you live in warmer climates. Soil should be tilled before planting and be moderate to well-drained. Seed should be planted 10 to 20 pounds per acre.

Does orchard grass come back every year?

Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) is a perennial, cool-season, tall-growing, grass which does not have rhizomes or stolons (bunch-type grass).

Is orchard grass softer than Timothy hay?

Orchard Grass Hay Orchard hay is another cool-season grass that is more tolerant of drought than Timothy hay. It grows in tufts, with long stems and cattails that mature late in the season. Some rabbits may prefer the softer texture of this hay. It is high in sugar and fiber and low in protein.