The dangers of feeding mouldy or damp food and hay

[Dawn - Admin]

I just wanted to bring to your attention the importance of feeding fresh, clean veggies, hay and dry food.

If you notice any mould, don't feed under any circumstances or it could make your piggy ill or even die.

It can contain fungal spores called "ergot" which is widely used as an effective painkiller for migraine and has dire results if taken in too large a dose.

Dawn

Reason for Editing: spelt mould wrong doh

[heatherjhenshaw]

Yup you sure should be aware of this otherwise you could lose 6 pigs in 1 week (as I just did recently which is probably what put this in Dawns mind . Even if it doesnt look mouldy take care, if it looks at all 'different' to normal, throw it out

Luv Heather

[ccc]

Old, old thread I know. But...

How do you recognise mouldy hay? What are the specific things to look for? What does mouldy hay look like?

I have my own experiences and will share, but as always I'm interested to know more.

A bale I bought last month had black specks all over. I still fed it after reading that mould on hay is white. It wasn't the entire bale; 80% of it was very high quality, green and delicious-looking. It all smelled and felt fine, and apparently tasted fine too. No problems at all. First thoughts when I saw the specks was mould, and I almost threw the lot out, but I researched a little and took my chances (foolish really, but most of the hay was fine and, according to what I read, it wasn't mould) but I guess it was just soil.

[Dawn - Admin]

Yes mould looks fury & white and smells musty on hay. However on oats it can make them look black. In mix it can make the pieces stick together be black, white or even green.

Don't chance using it as it can be fatal to your guinea pig. Certainly not worth taking the chance.

Dawn

[Niki]

I usually tell by the smell, it's an awful musty smell not the lovely sweet smell that hay usually has.

Niki x