What brand of hay is best for rabbits?

What kind of hay should rabbits eat?

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.

What 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.

Which is better for rabbits alfalfa or Timothy hay?

Young rabbits less than six months of age, can be fed alfalfa hay rather than timothy hay. Alfalfa hay is higher in protein and calcium and lower in fiber than timothy hay. This is acceptable, even desirable, in young, rapidly developing rabbits. But alfalfa hay is unhealthy for adult rabbits.

Is orchard or 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.

Which Hay is Right For Your Rabbit?

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 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.

What is the difference between hay and 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.

Is orchard hay good for rabbits?

The constant foraging and grazing encouraged by hay helps to keep rabbits physically active and mentally stimulated. Orchard Grass is high in fiber and low in both protein and calcium content, which is ideal for keeping the digestive tracts of rabbits and other small animals functioning properly.

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.

Is 1st cut or 2nd cut hay better?

Hay is often cut three or more times each season. 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.

Is first or second cut timothy hay better?

Second cut hay is a good hay for healthy adult rabbits. It usually has more leaves on the stems which is more attractive to your rabbit. This hay is greener than 1st cut and not as stemy. The protein and fat content is a little higher than 1st cut and the fiber level is a bit lower.

How can you tell if Timothy hay is good?

What is the healthiest hay for rabbits?

Timothy Hay is by far the most popular and probably the best kind you can give your rabbit as their basic hay source. Timothy hay is a good all- around choice for unlimited offering to your rabbit. Timothy hay is a mix of leaves and stems from Timothy grass, which is a perennial bunch grass.

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.

What is Lucerne hay?

What is Lucerne hay? Lucerne (lat. Medicago sativa) is a seasonal flowering plant from the legume family. It is mainly cultivated in warmer climates for hay production in the fields of Australia, and on other continents. It is extended in South America, Europe, Africa, and in regions such as the Middle East.

Is Western timothy hay good for rabbits?

For rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and other small pets

Oxbow's all-natural Western Timothy Hay is a nutritious, sweet-smelling grass that will stimulate the appetite of your rabbit, guinea pig, chinchilla, or other small pet. Western Timothy is the #1 vet-recommended hay for small herbivores.

Is lucerne hay good for rabbits?

Rabbits should not be fed Lucerne (alfalfa) or Clover hays as they are too high in protein and calcium, which could lead to the formation of urinary stones [2].

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.

Is timothy or meadow hay better?

Meadow hay usually has the advantages of being cheaper and more widely available than Timothy hay. 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.

Is bedding hay OK for rabbits to eat?

Bedding hay is only suitable for rabbits to sleep on and can be: Cheaply manufactured. Of unknown nutritional value. Less tasty.

Is alfalfa bad for rabbits?

Alfalfa Hay is not a grass hay and while it's high in fiber, it is also high in fat and proteins making it great for baby rabbits under 7 months but not so great for adult rabbits as a mainstay.

How can you tell the quality of hay?

What hay is lowest in 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.

Which cutting of hay is best?

Timothy Hay

Timothy must be harvested in the pre- or early-bloom stage to ensure a high nutrient content. The first cutting usually has a higher weed content, and quality decreases after the second cutting, so the second cutting is usually the best to feed.