We were hoping to avoid bringing this announcement this year, after the stress and disappointment of last years Cotswold sweet shortage we actually grew, harvested and dried twice as much hay as last year, and guess what?! It’s still not enough to keep up with our ever growing popularity! Unfortunately we have no choice but to announce to you all that our Cotswold Sweet hay and Silky Soft stocks are now starting to get low.
To ensure fairness, we are prioritising our loyal subscription customers who have committed to ongoing purchases. However, even with these measures, we anticipate running out before the next harvest. If you're a subscriber, please know that we’re doing everything we can to keep your supply going, so there’s nothing that needs to be done right now, but there is a chance we may need to contact you soon if we run out completely.
We had anticipated this happening again so we are slightly more prepared this time around and have got some other options available for you all this year.
Cotswold Sweet Soft Cut - a finer cut of hay that has been made from the regrowth of the original field. This has been barn dried so similar in colour as the original, just not as coarse. This is a softer option that may work well for the silky soft lovers! Available immediately.
Field made Cotswold Sweet - coarse and crunchy, just not as green as the classic cut. Coming soon!
Transitioning to a New Hay
We know how much your pets love Cotswold Sweet, so if you’re worried about switching, here’s how to help them transition smoothly:
✔ Go slow – A gradual transition over 7-14 days is best, especially for fussy pets or those with sensitive stomachs.
✔ Start with a mix – Begin with 75% of their usual hay and 25% of the new hay. Increase the new hay slowly over several days.
✔ Monitor digestion – If your pet shows any signs of tummy upset, slow the transition down.
✔ Patience is key – Every pet is different, so take your time and consult a vet if needed.
Exploring Other Hay Options
A varied diet is great for rabbits and guinea pigs! While we’re rationing the last of our Cotswold Sweet, you may wish to keep it as an occasional treat while introducing a new hay variety.
We have a range of hays to suit every bun and piggie – even the fussy ones! If you’re unsure which will be your pet’s favourite, we offer 1kg trial boxes so you can find the perfect match.
For those needing hay to transition with, we’ve left Cotswold Sweet and Silky Soft in stock in 1kg and 2kg boxes. please be sensible about your buying decisions, if we have to ensure fair distribution we will bring in a one per order limit but for now we will trust you all to shop considerately.
When Will Cotswold Sweet Be Back?
The good news is this isn’t goodbye forever – just a temporary break!
Cotswold Sweet is the fastest-growing grass on the farm, and we expect it to be back between late May and early June, depending on the weather. Thanks to our drying barn, we can process small batches earlier if conditions allow.
If you need any help amending your subscription, please contact us at info@littlehayco.com – we’re happy to assist.
Thank you for your support and understanding,
The Little Hay Co. Team