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.

What is the difference between timothy hay and regular 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.

What is the difference between oat hay and timothy hay?

Oat hay isn't technically grass hay, but it's still packed with nutrition and benefits rabbits' chompers. It's an excellent source of fiber, so a fab preventative for GI stasis. Oat hay is tough and yellowish in color with more hollow stalks than the traditional 2^nd cut Timothy.

Why do rabbits need timothy hay?

Timothy Hay is high in fibre and low in protein which is a combination critical to the health of rabbits and other small animals. The protein and fibre levels help to keep the gastrointestinal tract functioning properly. Timothy Hay should be fed as 'free-choice' food daily, meaning it should be available at ALL TIMES.

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.

Timothy Grass

Can cows eat timothy hay?

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.

Why is Timothy grass called Timothy grass?

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.

What happens if you dont give a rabbit hay?

Hay keeps the gut moving

Blockages can often be fatal. If a rabbit doesn't eat enough hay then this can slow down the rabbit's intestinal functions and cause serious problems eg. GI Stasis (see below).

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.

Is timothy hay and alfalfa the same?

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 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.

What hay has the highest sugar content?

Oat hay tends to be higher in nitrates and also high in sugar (NSC), so this hay is not an option for insulin resistant horses. Here's a comparison chart so you can see the differences between alfalfa hay, timothy (grass) hay and oat hay.

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.

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 Timothy hay expensive?

Timothy Hay is by far the most expensive option, and not just for horses. Many other animals eat Timothy Hay, such as rabbits and guinea pigs. Because of the quality and quantity of animals that need Timothy Hay, its price is much more expensive than other hay varieties.

What can I feed my rabbit if I run out of hay?

How old can a rabbit live?

Rabbits, just like other domesticated animals, have an average lifespan which can help an owner keep their bunny in optimum health in every stage of life. Unlike their wild relatives, who live for an average of one to two years, domesticated rabbits can live between eight to 12 years.

Why are rabbits always hungry?

Rabbits always seem hungry – because they are. As grazing animals, they're designed to eat whenever they can. A rabbit that is in shedding or breeding season will also eat more than an average rabbit. Most bunnies will self-regulate to keep from overeating.

Do rabbits eat their own poop?

Rabbits and hares beat this problem with a special kind of digestion called hindgut fermentation. In short, they eat their own poop and digest it a second time. Bunnies actually make two different kinds of droppings: little black round ones and softer black ones known as cecotropes that are eaten.

Will rabbits stop eating when full?

When Does a Rabbit Stop Eating? Your rabbit will stop eating when it's satiated or during rest. However, it's important to keep in mind that it's normal for rabbits to eat numerous times throughout the day.

What do rabbits like to eat the most?

What do rabbits eat? Rabbits should have a daily diet of mostly hay, a smaller amount of fresh vegetables, and a limited number of pellets. 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.

Can I grow timothy hay?

Rake to incorporate the planting site of the seeds in the soil. Sow the seeds no more than 1/2 inches deep. Slowly moisten the soil and keep it moist until the seeds germinate. For growing timothy hay, sow seeds in spring or late summer, you can also plant seeds in early fall.

Do rabbits eat 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.

Where does Timothy grass grow in the US?

Timothy is popular in the northern half of Pennsylvania and most of New York State because of its natural adaptation to moist, cool environments. Table 1. Characteristics of perennial cool-season grasses in the Northeast.