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).

Is timothy hay grass or alfalfa?

Types of hay.

Even though there are many different types of hay, they all break down into two categories: legumes or grasses. Legume hays include Alfalfa, white clover, and red clover, while grass hays consist mainly of Timothy, bermudagrass, and orchard.

What kind of hay is timothy hay?

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.

What's the difference between hay and alfalfa?

One of the biggest differences between alfalfa hay and grass hay is the protein content. On average, alfalfa hay has much higher levels of protein, ranging from 15% to 21% depending on when the alfalfa was cut. This is much higher than the protein levels of grass hay, which typically contains 10% or less protein.

What is the difference between timothy and 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).

Alfalfa Hay vs. Timothy Hay How to tell the difference

Is Timothy grass and timothy hay 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.

Why is it called 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.

Should rabbits have Timothy hay or alfalfa?

How Much Hay Do I Give My Rabbit? You can give rabbits an unlimited supply of hay. Timothy Hay or Oat Hay are good sources of fibre. The only hay that should be limited or even completely eliminated from the diet of an adult rabbit is alfalfa hay.

What is timothy allergy?

Common Symptoms

Timothy grass allergy symptoms can be similar to many other pollen allergies and may include: ⁶. Sneezing. Nasal congestion. Runny nose.

Is timothy or alfalfa better for horses?

Alfalfa has more nutrients than the Timothy hay. With Timothy, your animal's gut will be in a good state. Even lesser number of nutrients, the Timothy hay is more costly than Alfalfa. Remember, what you'll choose will depend on your horse's needs.

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.

Can bunnies eat alfalfa?

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).

What kind of hay is alfalfa?

Alfalfa is a legume hay in the pea family and is sometimes called “lucerne”. These hays are higher in protein and minerals and are more palatable than grass hays. Alfalfa in particular is high in energy and is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals.

How do you identify alfalfa?

Alfalfa seeds are darker than Yellow sweetclover. Important Identifying Characteristics: Purple flowers, long narrow leaf with serrated tip.

What does Timothy hay consist of?

Timothy hay is dried versions of timothy grass (P. Pratense), which is thought to have originated on the European continent. Early colonists to the New World brought grass seeds accidentally, inspiring significant wild growth of the grass in the US too.

Which cut of hay is best for rabbits?

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.

When should bunnies stop eating alfalfa?

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.

What kind of hay should 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 timothy hay the same as Lucerne?

The primary reasons are that timothy hay is lower in protein and calcium and higher in fibre than most lucerne hay. High dietary calcium has been associated with urine crystal or bladder stone formation. Therefore, feeding timothy hay over lucerne hay can potentially prevent this problem.

What is the difference between timothy and orchard hay?

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 timothy hay high in sugar?

Timothy hay is considered a medium sugar hay. This warm-season grass measures at the low end of the normal range for ethanol soluble carbohydrates, measuring between 4.7 percent and 10.9 percent.

Is timothy hay or alfalfa 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!

Is orchard grass or timothy hay better?

Orchardgrass and timothy hay are both excellent, but orchard grass gets the nod as the best of the two. It has a higher protein and calorie content and balanced levels of calcium and phosphorus.

Is timothy hay good for cows?

Timothy hay is recommended by many experts due to its ease on various animal's digestive system as well as promotion of bowel regularity. Additionally, there have been scientific studies done that show Timothy hay is an ideal feed for pregnant or lactating cows.