However, there are a number of benefits of Timothy hay for rabbits. See also: our favorite hay feeders of 2020. Meadow Hay is also imported and can be found in Burgess Excel Fresh Forage Feeding Hay and has a softer texture than Timothy Hay. i love my rabbit very much and a farmer said give her barley hay because it is softer and more water it can soak up and it is sweet for them to eat. On the upside, meadow hay is usually more affordable. Types of Hay • Timothy Hay • Meadow Hay • Orchard Hay/Grass • Oat Hay • Herbal Hay (Herbage) There are many different hays available and popular varieties include meadow, Timothy, and orchard hay… You will find that the addition of herbs doesn’t make this hay any more expensive compared to others, however. We recommend your main hay for a healthy bunny to be Oaten hay. Alfafa hay contains a lot of calcium and protein (which adult bunnies don't need a lot of) so feed sparingly. Hay. For added variety, taste and texture you may find some delicious extras within your Timothy Hay or Meadow Hay… Type – Oat. high amounts of calcium and protein that is essential for growth, 9 DIY Hedgehog Cage Plans You Can Build Today (With Pictures), 7 DIY Guinea Pig Beds You Can Build Today (With Pictures), 9 DIY Hamster Toys You Can Make Today (With Pictures). Meadow grass hay is a great alternative to timothy hay. There is a lot of discussion about hay; what types of hay, and how much to feed. ... Their high sugar and calorie content can lead to an imbalance in the good bacteria in the digestive tract and good fungi found within rabbits’ cecum. Rabbits need to eat their body-size in fresh hay each day. Why Alfafa hay isn’t good for adult rabbits. Sizes: 35 oz, 84 oz Product Highlights This means they can get too many calories and not enough fiber. Presenting your rabbit's hay in their litter tray is a great way to contain some mess and encourage hay intake. Hay that is damp, dusty or moldy should be avoided, as is hay with any obvious mites or insects present (there is a slight risk of myxomatosis transmission through insect contaminated hay). Some people find that blends are an ideal choice to provide optimum nutrition. Blended hays replicate a rabbits natural diet whilst providing a wider range of vitamins and minerals when comapared to feeding one hay type and provides variety for ‘fussy bunnies’. You can also find this as a healthy addition to a hay blend. Rabbits won't eat soiled hay. all hays are good for rabbits . These include preventing dental issues by keeping their teeth from growing too long, maintaining intestinal health, and providing the right amount of fiber, protein, and other vitamins and minerals. hay suitable for rabbits, and as described on the rabbit diet page, hay is a vital ingredient for keeping healthy, happy rabbits. Available in a conventional size bale for pick up or easy banana size boxes for the courier. Timothy hay is best, though you can also offer your rabbit orchard grass, meadow hay, and oat hay. Chaff is also an option for rabbits which is cut up hay and this can be added into a bowl of 'pellets or mixes' to encourage hay intake and be a good transitional option. Paw-fect for rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, degus, hamsters, mice, rats and gerbils. Amazon's Choice for "timothy hay for rabbits" Tigerbox 5 Kilogram Natures Own Timothy Rich 5 a Day Hay Foraging Feed for Rabbits Guinea Pigs Chinchillas. Hay is nearly impossible for rabbits to overeat, so you want to encourage rabbits to eat as much as possible. Even though alfalfa hay is good for baby rabbits, it shouldn’t be all they have. Keep in mind that some herbs aren’t safe for rabbits to eat. Meadow Hay This is new season hay. A good meadow grass hay can provide variety for your rabbits and can be used alongside Timothy hay or you may want to alternate between them. I know that alfalfa hay is rich and high in calories, but I thought timothy hay was good. Timothy hay is the most popular, but you can also find others such as oat hay. Rabbits love hay when it is first placed in their cage. Aim for a ratio of around 60:40, mixing alfalfa with traditional grass hay. At that point, transition your rabbit from the alfalfa because it is too rich at this point. Chewing on hay grinds your rabbit's ever-growing teeth down to a safe level, preventing ulcers, abscesses and eye problems. Timothy hay contains less protein and other minerals compared to alfalfa hay, but it provides the appropriate amount needed for adult bunnies. There can be other plants included in the mixture, as well as debris and stone. Hay (and grass) keep your rabbit healthy by keeping the gut moving and preventing blockages and GI Stasis. Rabbits are herbivores and are considered grazers. Oxbow's all-natural Timothy Meadow Hay is a flavorful, enriching combination of premium grass hays - fresh from our family of farms. It is recommended for adult rabbits. Alfalfa is a legume from the pea family that is high in minerals and provides plenty of energy. and they look gorg when they eat it . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Price – $13.97. Herbal hay is a mixture of any type of hay with herbs — such as dandelion or chamomile, for example. Hay is the most important part of a rabbit’s diet, and the fibre part is essential. Sun ripened, harvested and barn dried using traditional methods to preserve nutrients and fibre that mechanical drying often removes. Sonnenberg Hof Hay 1 kg - Fresh Meadow Hay 1st Cut for Rabbits Guinea Pigs Hamsters and Rodents I Mountain Meadow Hay for Small Animals 4.7 out of 5 stars 25 £14.00 £ 14 . A common cause of obesity and soft stool is over-feeding pellets. meadow or timothy) is the one food you should introduce from the start, even if your rabbit isn't already eating it. You get. Why Alfafa hay isn’t good for adult rabbits. Hay is the most important part of a rabbit's daily intake. Providing a mix of different hay types, spraying hay with apple juice, or hiding their pellets / treats in the hay often increases a bunnies consumption! It is rich in vitamins, fiber, and other minerals and low in protein. It provides some variety, although this is not necessarily an advantage, as rabbits often pick out the bits they like, usually the more calorific bits, and leave the rest. The price will vary with different companies and can range from affordable to expensive. Some people may not be able to provide a fresh forage diet for their rabbits, so the next best option is hay. Good quality and makes delicious rabbit and guinea pig feed. Timothy hay also has "solid cattails" which distinguishes it from Orchard grass which has … The hay itself is grown under Oxbow's strict guidelines, and is hand-picked, hand-sorted, and less … The ideal rabbit diet should be made up of 80% hay and 20% greens. Rabbits should not be fed Lucerne (alfalfa) or Clover hays as they are too high in protein and calcium, which could lead to the … Meadow hay is a mixture of grass hays that offers a variety of textures and flavor for your rabbit. 00 (£14.00/kg) Your pet should have unlimited grass hay … Our Premium Quality, Sweet Smelling, Timothy & Meadow Hay 50/50 box for rabbits is harvested at the optimum time ensuring the maximum amount of nutrients. Hay eating rabbits are more likely to drink water and therefore will urinate more, which helps to protect them against the formation of bladder stones. TYPES OF HAY In Australia, the most common types of hay available are Oaten, Timothy, Grass/Meadow and Lucerne. Meadow hay is often priced cheaper than timothy hay, however, rabbits may pick through the mixture, eating only the plants they prefer and wasting the rest. There are a few extra considerations for young rabbits though. Our Premium Quality, Sweet Smelling, Timothy & Meadow Hay 50/50 box for rabbits is harvested at the optimum time ensuring the maximum amount of nutrients. Keep in mind that some rabbits may be fussier than others, so it is a good idea to be open to other types of hay. Vegetables are often given a bad reputation as a food for rabbits & guinea-pigs. They providing adequate amounts of fibers for gastrointestinal and dental health. Small Pet Select 2nd Cutting Timothy Hay Small Pet Select Meadow Hay (Very soft hay. Straw is not a food and has very little nutritional value for our rabbits. As Wigs said, timothy hay is thicker and so is better for wearing the teeth down, but meadow hay tends to be cheaper. I also looked at hay-and-straw.co.uk which have a good selection of hay. If your bunny is normal weight, has good teeth and is otherwise healthy, then timothy, oaten or orchard / grass hays are an obvious choice. They are superior to clover or clover hay. Small Pet Select 2nd Cutting "Perfect Blend" Timothy Hay Pet Food - Overall Best. Too much protein or calcium can cause urinary or kidney health problems. Aim for a ratio of around 60:40, mixing alfalfa … Many rabbits enjoy the crunchiness of the seed husks, and you will see it blended with other hays. It is chopped into very short strands about 3-4 inches long which is no good for feeding to rabbits & guinea pigs as they need long strand fibre. Grass hay is a rough, high-fibre hay that is great for maintaining teeth and encourages natural behaviour like foraging and chewing. You should provide fresh new hay every day – even if they haven’t finished all of yesterdays. Hopefully, this will help to clear up some of the incorrect information float This hay is soft-textured and is very high in fiber and low in protein, making it nice and nutritious for adult rabbits. Clover, hibiscus, lavender, rose, and elderflower are also great additions to this hay. Feeding hay to your rabbit has many benefits. A good quality meadow hay or lucerne hay can be used, that is not dusty or mouldy as this can lead to respiratory illness. It is harvested starting in the spring or early summer, and you can grow several cuttings each season from one field. What can I do if bunnies do not like hay? Essential for your pet's digestive, dental and overall health and wellbeing. It can also be a great hay for rabbits who need to lose weight as it has a good mix of stems and leaves. So yes rabbits can eat alfalfa hay, however they can’t have much of it compared to other types of hay such as meadow hay and Timothy hay. Straw is what is left over after harvesting hay and is often sold as 'bedding' for pets and livestock. Even though alfalfa hay is good for baby rabbits, it shouldn’t be all they have. Crafted in easy to feed portions for your pal. I normally gave my rabbit timothy hay, but he doesn't seem to eat it much. Calcium is used to make their teeth which grow constantly and to keep their bones strong. They are as follows: Grass or meadow: contains 31% fiber and 14% protein, with low calories and calcium. Typically, timothy hay is affordable compared to other hays, and it is the most popular feed choice for rabbits. Delicious, fresh, and locally sourced. The best hay for your adult rabbit would be timothy or meadow. Sun ripened, harvested and barn dried using traditional methods to preserve nutrients and fibre that mechanical drying often removes. There are a few extra considerations for young rabbits though. Good alternative if your rabbit won't eat timothy or orchard) Fresh Veggies. If you need the best rabbit hay, buy any good timothy hay brand. That is why it contains more fiber than timothy hay. The thing with alfalfa hay is that it is high in calcium and protein which rabbits can eat but not in large amounts. If your bunny does not like the timothy or orchard hay, you try this Meadow hay for the rabbit. Chaff is also an option for rabbits which is cut up hay and this can be added into a bowl of 'pellets or mixes' to encourage hay intake and be a good transitional option! When you open the pack you will get a wonderful aroma that comes from the dried grasses. However, the best hay for a pregnant rabbit is alfalfa. It sometimes has flower heads inside. Hay should look and smell great! Source Anderson Hay. Common types of grass hay for rabbits and guinea pigs include timothy hay, oaten hay, meadow hay and paddock hay. I refresh the hay for my rabbits 2 to 3 times per day. Always offer a large quality of fresh grass or grass hay from this list: Timothy, Oaten, Wheaten, Pasture, Paddock, Meadow or Ryegrass hays. Alfalfa (Lucerne), a legume not grass, is also grown as animal feed. It’s excellent for their dental health too – chewing on this fibrous hay is a great way to keep teeth ground down. Cutting – Unknown. On the contrary, Meadow hay is composed of different natural grasses. Timothy hay is the best choice for an adult rabbit, while alfalfa hay is ideal for bunnies once they are weaned and up to six months old. Rabbits Eating Meadow Hay Jared Edinburgh. In Australia, the most common types of hay available are Oaten, Timothy, Grass/Meadow and Lucerne. The main diet for a rabbit is either fresh grass or hay. An avid animal lover, Roland started this blog to help all varieties of pets and their owners on their journey to living their best lives. Contains 100% oat grass hay. Rabbits should have a daily diet of mostly hay, a smaller amount of fresh vegetables, and a limited number of pellets. Some rabbits may prefer the softer texture of this hay. Rabbits over 7 months old do not require too much protein in their diet. Hay is good fiber for them, is good for their digestion and is also used as bedding. A common cause of obesity and soft stool is over-feeding pellets. https://www.amazon.com/Small-Pet-Select-12-Pound-Cutting/dp/B07CJ2FRNC/. Source Anderson Hay. Rabbits have such a great sense of taste that they can tell the difference between hay from the same field that has been harvested late in the day vs first thing in the morning (the later hay has a higher sugar content, which bunnies prefer!). It has good amounts of chlorophyll and vitamin A and C. When golden it contains higher levels of vitamin D. It’s a good starting point if you are trying to wean your rabbits … Straw can be used as bedding but this is no good to eat as it has no nutritional value in it whatsoever. Rabbits should be fed and provided with fresh water daily; hay should be available at all times. Provide a constant supply of good quality fresh grass and grass hay (this should comprise about 80% of the overall diet) – e.g. Highest quality, long strand hay compressed in to easy to feed portions for rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and degus less mess, less space and less waste than loose hay contains over 20 different nutritious grasses and meadow plants. Grass hay (e.g. Like adults, hay should play an important role in young rabbit's diet. 5 stars. If purchasing this hay, it would be wise to know where it came from and what is included; otherwise, you won’t know for sure what you are feeding your rabbit. There are several different types of grass hay present in the market, and a few of them are as follows: Timothy hay for rabbits. While we provide information resourced and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. It will also be high in fiber. Amount – 15 ounces. Timothy hay is grass hay that is a cool-season crop and can withstand harsh winters. Meadow Grass Hay. Fresh, soft, sweet smelling Meadow hay. If you need … Oxbow Botanical Hay is a fragrant, enticing hay that pets can’t resist. They’re paw-fect for rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, degus, hamsters, mice, rats and gerbils. So yes rabbits can eat alfalfa hay, however they can’t have much of it compared to other types of hay such as meadow hay and Timothy hay. What do rabbits should eat in greater quantities? Hay is good for your rabbit because: It has long fibers that help your rabbit’s gut stay healthy and strong It stimulates digestion, absorption and and helps bowel movements It keeps … The thing with alfalfa hay is that it is high in calcium and protein which rabbits can eat but not in large … If I had multiple bunnies I would get bags/bales of several varieties and mix it together, but I don’t want to buy too much hay as it loses its vitamin content if stored too long. It is different from a legume because it has long, hollow stems with spikelet flowers. Putting hay directly on top of the litter in the litter box is one way to offer hay. Rabbits LOVE vegetables. People are often scared of feeding too much or feeding the wrong thing and there is a lot of misinformation and food myths out there. This hay is great for adult rabbits. Rabbits should have a daily diet of mostly hay, a smaller amount of fresh vegetables, and a limited number of pellets. Timothy and meadow hay are easy to find and are often affordable. Lily and Billy are fans of Green Oat Hay, Meadow hay, and a large bale of hay from the local farm (sometimes we mix the hay, sometimes we … If they prefer the meadow hay, then it's probably better for them to have that as they are eating more of it than … As pellets also contain alfalfa, your baby bunny will be in good health. ... It’s a good idea to mix your pet rabbits hay to keep him from getting set in his ways with only one hay. Timothy, Oaten, Wheaten, Pasture, Paddock, Meadow or Ryegrass hays. Timothy hay is grass hay that is a cool … I’ve heard Lucerne hay is bad for rabbits…? However this hay has a much lower calcium content, making it a healthy choice for your loved furry friend. After a few hours or so, they may find it less appealing. Ideally a rabbit should eat a pile of hay a day roughly the size of their own body. Key Benefits. Available in a conventional size bale for pick up or easy banana size boxes for the courier. The 6 Types of Hay For Your Rabbit: 1. Growing Barley Fodder - Cheap and Easy Fodder system - Duration: 8:36. However, orchard grass, oats, or meadow are good grassy hay choices. Best overall: Small Pet Select 2nd Cutting “Perfect Blend” Timothy Hay Pet Food. So it’s not “bad” for rabbits, but it isn't not ideal for everyone. Timothy hay is a popular base for the herbal hay mixture. Grass hay (e.g. Suitable for rabbits Complementary food to accompany our hays High in fibre Supports a healthy digestive system Supports a healthy respiratory system Promotes good dental health Our natural Coltsfoot should be fed alongside hay and fresh greens (wild … Rabbits love to forage, so if you can’t provide forage opportunities, then herbal hay is a good choice. Meadow hay tends to be more variable on textures and nutrient content as it will depend on where the hay initially grew. It is not actually true hay, as such, but rather several different types of grasses which are mixed and specially kiln dried. Your pet should have unlimited grass hay every day. You’ll want to give your rabbit an unlimited amount of hay everyday. This is because they contain more fiber and less calcium than legume hay. If purchasing this hay, it would be wise to know where it came from and what is included; otherwise, you won’t know for sure what you are feeding your rabbit. Meadow Hay: has been grown in a meadow and contains a mixture of different grasses. Timothy and meadow hay are easy to find and are often affordable. Oxbow Botanical Hay is a fragrant, enticing hay that pets can’t resist. It provides high amounts of calcium and protein that is essential for growth, but if fed exclusively to an adult rabbit, it can cause urinary stones due to the high calcium content. Orchard hay is another cool-season grass that is more tolerant of drought than Timothy hay. A hay combinations also gives your rabbit the best nutritional benefits. meadow or timothy) is the one food you should introduce from the start, even if your rabbit isn't already eating it. From what I read, oat hay can cause digestive problems with its riped seeds. Knowing which hay is the best can be confusing, and you want to make sure the hay you purchase is high-quality and free from mold, dust, and chemicals. ​From my point … Meadow hay usually has the advantages of being cheaper and more widely available than Timothy hay. Our Meadow Hay is a lovely blend of natural meadow grasses that your rabbit will love. Some mixtures of meadow hay contain only grass hay; some contain varying amounts of clover, vetch, trefoil and other legumes. No artificial colors,… Report. Farm-fresh and full of goodness. Hay eating rabbits are more likely to drink water and therefore will urinate more, which helps to protect them against the formation of bladder stones. There are many other hays available that provide the necessary fiber, minerals, and vitamins, with the main difference being in texture and flavor. In addition to good nutrition, this hay has a nice sweet smell and taste that most rabbits absolutely love. Lucerne hay can be used for lactating does, or rabbits needing extra calcium or to put on some weight – if this is the case, contact your vet for more specific advice. Jared Edinburgh 447 views. A rabbit’s digestion of food relies on a system that moves food through their gut very quickly. Many rabbits use this type of hay in their cage to help them maintain good health. Please note we have a maximum order of 10 conventional bales. All Oxbow hays are hand-selected and hand-sorted, ensuring that your pet receives the very best that Mother Nature has to offer. They each have their own specificities and recommendations. 9 DIY Hedgehog Cage Plans You Can Build Today (With Pictures) →, 7 DIY Guinea Pig Beds You Can Build Today (With Pictures) →, 9 DIY Hamster Toys You Can Make Today (With Pictures) →. Kind of Hay: Meadow Grass/Hay. It sometimes has flower heads inside. Don't worry. The following information aims to explain hay, what is best for your bunny and why. Like adults, hay should play an important role in young rabbit's diet. Plus, if he eats different kinds of hay, he will eat more of the mixture. Fiber is perhaps the most … 00 (£14.00/kg) Another thing to remember is that your rabbit’s hutch will be filled with hay. Good health, preventing ulcers, abscesses and eye problems for veterinary guidance presenting your rabbit prefers the texture one. Life ( after your bunny does not like hay and functional digestive.! In protein, making it a healthy bunny to be more variable on textures and flavor for bunny! 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