Are there different types of timothy hay?

Timothy hay comes in three different cuts, which vary a bit from each other: First cut is the roughest and highest in fibre, and slightly lower in nutritional value. Second cut is a balanced amount of fibre and protein. Third cut is softer and greener, with relatively less fibre and more protein.

What is the difference in timothy hay?

Alfalfa hay is higher in protein and calories, but timothy hay has more fiber and better calcium to phosphorus ratio. If you feed your horse a mixture of these two types of hay, it will get the best combinations possible for optimum nutrition.

Are timothy hay and Timothy grass the same?

Timothy Grass has a slightly higher protein and is greener in appearance. Timothy Hay is a mix of leaves and stems from Timothy grass, which is a perennial bunch grass. Timothy Hay is high in fiber and low in protein which is a combination critical to the health of rabbits and other small animals.

What type of timothy hay is best for rabbits?

What is the best cut of timothy hay?

Premium 2nd cut Timothy hay is preferred by most grass eating small animals (Bunnies, Rabbits, Chinchillas, Gerbils, Hamsters, Mice, Rats, and Tortoises). 2nd cutting is called “second” because it is the hay that is harvested after the 1st cutting.

Alfalfa Hay vs. Timothy Hay How to tell the difference

What's the difference between 1st and 2nd cut timothy hay?

The first cutting in any cut will have thicker stems, perhaps have flowers (usually called tassel), and is the highest in fiber of any cut. The second cutting is softer, greener, has a higher protein but lower fiber than first cutting. Flowers and stalks are usually not present, just leaves.

What's the difference between Timothy hay and western Timothy hay?

Note: Timothy Hay is more suitable for adult rabbits due to the low calcium content. Oxbow Western Timothy Hay is high in fibre, low in protein and calcium and is a good, basic grass hay with high quality nutrition.

What type of hay should adult rabbits eat?

Hay is the most important part of a rabbit's daily intake. Unlimited, high-quality grass hay, such as Timothy, orchard or brome, should make up the bulk of a rabbit's diet. Grass hay is high in fiber, which is critical to maintaining a rabbit's healthy digestive tract.

Is orchard grass vs timothy hay better for rabbits?

Orchard hay is another cool-season grass that is more tolerant of drought than Timothy hay. It grows in tufts, with long stems and cattails that mature late in the season. Some rabbits may prefer the softer texture of this hay. It is high in sugar and fiber and low in protein.

Is timothy hay or alfalfa better for rabbits?

When looking at which type of hay to feed a rabbit or guinea pig, Timothy hay and Meadow hay are often considered the better and healthier options. Alfalfa is known as a great hay for baby rabbits, as it contains higher calcium and protein levels to help support healthy growth and development.

Is timothy hay alfalfa?

Alfalfa hay and timothy hay are different nutritionally

Alfalfa hay and timothy hay are both forage sources commonly used in rabbit and guinea pig diets. Nutritionally speaking, however, they are very different. Alfalfa contains higher concentrations of protein and calcium compared to timothy hay (Table 1).

What is alfalfa timothy?

Premium Alfalfa/Timothy Pellets are high density, ¼ inch pellets of Standlee forage. This mix combines two of the most popular forages fed to horses in a blend that is moderate to low in protein and sugar.

Is timothy hay or alfalfa hay better for guinea pigs?

Your guinea pig should eat a pile of hay as big as his body every day. Avoid alfalfa hay unless directed by your veterinarian. Instead choose timothy, orchard grass or oat hay. Unless the hay in your pet's habitat is soiled, do not replace it as this could encourage picky eating!

What is the healthiest hay for horses?

Legume Hay for Horses

Alfalfa, white clover, red clover and birdsfoot trefoil are common types of legumes, with alfalfa being the most popular choice. Benefits: Legumes are higher in protein and calcium than grass hay, and may also provide more energy and a higher level of total digestible nutrients, such as vitamin A.

What hay is not good for horses?

Bahiagrass: This grass hails from the southern coastal plains. It's typically found in pastures, so the stuff they make into hay is not that great for horses. Overly mature Bahiagrass hay can cause ergot poisoning, so buyer beware.

Is Orchard grass the same as Timothy?

Orchard Grass is higher in protein (10-12%), higher in calorie content and contains the same balanced levels of calcium and phosphorus as Timothy grass. The higher calorie content of Orchard Grass is a result of higher fiber digestibility compared to Timothy Grass.

Is orchard hay more expensive than Timothy?

Orchard grass hay is not as nutrient sensitive to the time of cutting as the other grass hays, and is also less expensive than timothy hay.

Can a rabbit survive on just hay?

Rabbits should be fed in a way that is as close as possible to their natural diet: mostly grass or hay. In fact, rabbits could live on hay and water alone, but we recommend providing some fresh leafy vegetables and a small amount of commercial feed.

Is Timothy meadow hay good for rabbits?

Among those to choose from, timothy and meadow hay are widely available and suitable for most rabbits.

Can bunnies have timothy hay?

Orchard grass, or other grass hays can be given for variety, but most rabbits prefer timothy hay over other grass hays. Your rabbit should have unlimited amounts of timothy hay. If you see his hay supply is running low, fill it up again. He will eat it throughout the day.

Which cut of Timothy hay is best for guinea pigs?

2nd cut Timothy hay is the most popular, and generally accepted as the best hay for guinea pigs. Orchard hay comes in at a close second. Other types of hay, such as meadow hay, bluegrass, brome, bermuda grass, and oat hay are also safe for guinea pigs.

Is Timothy hay just grass?

Timothy hay is a grass hay. Another type of grass hay is meadow hay. This is softer than Timothy hay, and may include some edible plants such as dandelions. Because it contains a variety of plants, it can also be a bit more variable in contents than Timothy.

Why do they call it Timothy hay?

It is probably named after Timothy Hanson, an American farmer and agriculturalist said to have introduced it from New England to the southern states in the early 18th century. Upon his recommendation it became a major source of hay and cattle fodder to British farmers in the mid-18th century.

Is 3rd cut timothy hay good for rabbits?

It is our opinion that third cutting hay does not contain sufficient fiber content to be the only hay in the diet of most rabbits. It can, however, be used in conjunction with a higher fiber, good quality, relatively immature 1st or 2nd cutting hay, and creates greater variety and interest in the chewing experience.