When buying hay, it is important to pay attention to various factors to ensure quality. The hay should be well dried to avoid mould growth and have a fresh smell. A greenish colour is ideal, while a pale or yellow colour may indicate overstocking or poor harvesting conditions. Hay should be free of weeds, thorns, and other foreign matter to prevent damage to rodents. It is also significant that the hay is as dust-free as possible, as dust can cause respiratory problems in the animals. A good mixture of leaves and stems is a prerequisite for a balanced diet. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)