Can I feed my rabbits orchard hay?

Popular types of rabbit hay include meadow, Timothy, and orchard grass and any of these hays will provide a suitable foundation for your rabbit's diet, but don't feel like you have to limited to one type. Mix it Up!

Is orchard grass hay good for rabbits teeth?

This is also a type of hay that can be fed daily. Timothy & rye hay is also available. Orchard grass/hay: is a soft, flat bladed hay with a fruity odour. Yet again this is highly palatable for rabbits due to the sweet smell and texture and is also an amazing alternative to coarser hays for rabbits with dental issues.

Is orchard grass vs Timothy hay better for rabbits?

Orchard grass is more heat and drought tolerant than timothy grass. Orchard grass grows rapidly at cool temperatures, is very productive in early spring and recovers quickly af ter cutting. Orchard grass, in our experience, usually runs a bit higher on the protein scale than timothy.

Is orchard hay as good 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 good for baby rabbits?

What Kind of Hay. For baby bunnies, alfalfa provides the high caloric content necessary for their development. Once rabbits reach seven months of age, gradually switch them over to timothy, orchard grass, and/or oat hay.

How to feed Orchard Hay to rabbits

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.

What kind of hay should you avoid with your rabbit?

Grass hay is high in fiber, which is critical to maintaining a rabbit's healthy digestive tract. While young, growing rabbits can eat any type of grass hay, alfalfa hay is not recommended for adult rabbits, as it is too rich in protein and too high in calcium.

Is orchard hay high in sugar?

Unfortunately, there is no grass that is consistently low in sugar. Most cool-season grasses, like orchardgrass and fescue, can have high sugar content. Timothy and crested wheatgrass tend to be medium in sugar content, as are most warm season (native) grasses.

What kind of hay is best for bunnies?

The main diet for a rabbit is either fresh grass or hay. Some people may not be able to provide a fresh forage diet for their rabbits, so the next best option is hay. 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.

Does orchard grass make good hay?

Orchardgrass is a versatile grass and can be used for pasture, hay, green chop, or silage. A high-quality grass, it will provide excellent feed for most classes of livestock.

Is orchard grass better for allergies?

Allergies, especially to Timothy Hay are common (you aren't alone!). Orchard Grass can be a wonderful alternative for you and your small pet while still giving them all the important nutrients they need. In our experience, people who are allergic to Timothy Hay are less allergic to our Orchard Grass.

Can rabbits 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.

Can rabbits eat grass instead of hay?

Rabbits can eat grass instead of hay, however it's not a change that should be made overnight. This kind of major change in a rabbits diet needs to be made in a slow transition over the course of a few weeks.

How much hay should a rabbit have?

Rabbits need at least one bundle of good quality hay that's as big as they are every day! Good quality, fresh hay should be available at all times and, ideally, rabbits should have access to growing grass for grazing, or kiln-dried grass.

Does orchard grass have more sugar than timothy hay?

Orchard grass is similar in starch levels to Timothy hay but can be significantly higher in ethanol soluble carbohydrate, measuring up to 20 percent. The sugar content of feeds and hay is evaluated based on the starch and ethanol soluble carbohydrate -- also called simple sugars -- content.

What is orchard grass good for?

Grazing/Hayland: The primary use of orchardgrass is for pasture and hay forage production (Ogle, et al., 2011a). It is highly palatable to all classes of livestock. It is one of the best forage grasses for use in the Northern states under intensive rotational grazing systems.

What type of hay has the lowest sugar?

Low sugar hay is extremely important in a horse's diet due to its health properties and the enormous benefits it can offer. While lucerne usually has lower sugar than a lot of grass hays, it more often than not tests HIGHER in sugar, starch & protein compared to our Low Sugar Hay.

Can rabbits eat only oat hay?

Oat hay is full of fiber and protein, but is also higher in fat. Fed exclusively, it can lead to one chubby bunny. So, can your rabbit eat oat hay instead of Timothy? Yes, technically, although it won't be the best main course for every rabbit.

When should I stop feeding my rabbit alfalfa hay?

If you are feeding alfalfa it's a good idea to feed it mixed with grass hay. This stops your rabbits getting so hooked on alfalfa that it's difficult to make the transition to grass hay when they reach adulthood. You should phase out alfalfa at around four to five months old.

How long should you soak hay?

Soak hay for 30 to 60 minutes to reduce the sugar it contains. Don't soak the hay longer or you'll risk leaching beneficial nutrients. Soaking hay to remove sugars that can exacerbate metabolic conditions such as insulin resistance takes more time.

What is the difference between orchard grass and Bermuda grass?

Bermuda vs.

Orchardgrass is about 12% protein which is a slightly higher amount than Bermuda. It also contains more calories per pound and a reasonable balance of calcium and phosphorous levels. Like Bermuda, it's a good grass hay candidate for your horses.

Can rabbits eat alfalfa hay?

We prefer the long, loose strands of hay as opposed to the pressed cubes or chopped hay. Alfalfa hay is fine for young bunnies but is not the correct choice for adult rabbits, especially if it is being used along with pellets (which are already high in alfalfa hay).

Is fresh grass better than hay for rabbits?

Fresh grass is preferable, but hay is a very good substitute and it's available all year round. You can also buy kiln-dried grass.

How much hay does a bunny eat per day?

A healthy rabbit's diet should consist of unlimited amounts timothy and other grass hays, 1-3 cups of fresh leafy greens daily, and only about 1/8-1/4 cup of quality timothy pellets for rabbits up to 5 lbs and up to 3/4 cup for rabbits up to 10 lbs. Fruits and sugary vegetables (i.e. carrots) should only be offered as ...