Store bought Hay
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Store bought Hay
by MimzytheBun Sat 26 Nov 2016, 12:38 am
Hi guys!
I just had a quick question - I've seen hay mentioned as a good bedding material but it is always recommended to freeze or bake it first to rid it of possible mites/parasites. I'm just wondering if this applies to all hay, including the large bags of packaged hay I buy to feed my rabbits? I would certainly hope that their food wouldn't have any little nasties on it :/
What do you guys think, do you have any experience of mice actually getting ill from store bought hay?
I just had a quick question - I've seen hay mentioned as a good bedding material but it is always recommended to freeze or bake it first to rid it of possible mites/parasites. I'm just wondering if this applies to all hay, including the large bags of packaged hay I buy to feed my rabbits? I would certainly hope that their food wouldn't have any little nasties on it :/
What do you guys think, do you have any experience of mice actually getting ill from store bought hay?
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Re: Store bought Hay
by AnonymousMouseOwner Sat 26 Nov 2016, 1:10 am
Unfortunately, those "little nasties" can be on any type of hay. I've never used it as bedding, but I give it as an occasional nesting material. It has a very strong smell and I'd think it wouldn't be very pleasant to them, but I could be wrong.
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Re: Store bought Hay
by MimzytheBun Sat 26 Nov 2016, 1:15 am
Well that's upsetting! Thanks for responding, now I'm all worried about my bunnies :/
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Re: Store bought Hay
by CallaLily Sat 26 Nov 2016, 6:33 am
In my experience, mice love hay. They chew it and nest with it. But it doesn't make a great bedding on it's own.
I'm not sure how great the risk is with carrying parasites in, but from what I've read the risk is there. Which is why it's recommended to freeze or bake first, just to be safe. But it's also recommended to do the same with all bedding, and I'll be honest and say that I never have. Though hay is said to be a bigger risk than other beddings. I treat all my mice with ivermectin when they first come in and at any sign of possible bugs, so I don't worry so much about it. Do you regularly treat your buns in whatever way is safe and effective for them? Hhmm, this reminds me of a question I've had about ivermectin but I'll start a new thread.
Hair Loss, Scratching and Parasites
I'm not sure how great the risk is with carrying parasites in, but from what I've read the risk is there. Which is why it's recommended to freeze or bake first, just to be safe. But it's also recommended to do the same with all bedding, and I'll be honest and say that I never have. Though hay is said to be a bigger risk than other beddings. I treat all my mice with ivermectin when they first come in and at any sign of possible bugs, so I don't worry so much about it. Do you regularly treat your buns in whatever way is safe and effective for them? Hhmm, this reminds me of a question I've had about ivermectin but I'll start a new thread.
Hair Loss, Scratching and Parasites
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Re: Store bought Hay
by MimzytheBun Sat 26 Nov 2016, 2:06 pm
I had my bunnies treated at the vet with revolutions, which is supposed to treat all mites as well as fleas. The dosage needs to be very specifically measured as it is the same chemical used on cats and dogs, so it would be far to strong for mice I'm sure. I haven't noticed any signs of over itching, scratching or barbering on Lola, but I'll try to get some Ivermectin to be proactive. Thanks for the response!
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Re: Store bought Hay
by CallaLily Sat 26 Nov 2016, 7:08 pm
They actually can be treated with revolution, but like your buns it would need to be carefully dosed by a vet. I believe it's usually reserved for if Ivermectin doesn't do the trick, which I don't think is very common.
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