It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin A. Timothy hay should make up the majority of your rabbit's diet. Need to help your furry friend lose some weight? 2nd cut Timothy hay is packed with fiber, which helps to keep your rabbits gut moving smoothly. Most manufacturers try to make their pellets look good for marketing purposes rather than worrying about nutrition and your rabbits long term digestive and dental term health. This site does not provide any medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian for any definite medical advice. Without fiber, the digestive system cannot move food through the gut, and your rabbits teeth, which are constantly growing, will not wear down and may become painfully long. Combining different types of hay can provide a range of textures, flavors, and nutrients that can help keep your rabbit engaged and satisfied. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of 2nd cut Timothy [] If you know how important Timothy hay is for a rabbits health then this may worry you. Rabbit blog post. It wont be long until your rabbit learns that the hay pile is a fun place to hang out. So, providing a fresh hay supply is essential for your rabbits healthy life span. Table 1. The world of bunnies. Is Orchard Hay Good For Rabbits? | Rabbit Lala The place to start? Timothy hay is a nutritious and widely available option that is often recommended by veterinarians for rabbits of all ages and stages of life.But did you know that there are other types of hay available for your furry friend? But are there different kinds of Timothy hay that are better than others? This prevents gastrointestinal issues, such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. In addition to its role in the digestive system, hay also provides important dental benefits for rabbits. Smaller rabbits may prefer finer hay, while larger rabbits may enjoy coarser hay. Can you believe that these little sweethearts used to be considered throwaway animals? At Small Pet Select, youll find grass hay (Timothy, orchard), and legume (alfalfa, oat). How to select, purchase and store your rabbit's hay. To keep them healthy and happy, it is essential to provide a well-balanced diet. I made this website because I want to give advice and share my experience with all the pet bunny owners around the world! Hay. What makes up a healthy rabbit diet. So, so many were bred and purchased, only to be put in a cage or rabbit hutch. Know How Much Water They Need, Can Rabbits Safely Enjoy Nuts As A Snack? Hay cubes are just what they sound like. We recommend using high-qualityOxbow Orchard Grass Hayfor your rabbit from amazon, which is rich in fiber, low in calcium and protein, and has a sweet taste and smell that stimulate the senses of any rabbit. Once you have high-quality hay there are some little tweaks and treats that help get your rabbit excited about hay again. When selecting timothy hay for your rabbit, look for high-quality hay that is fresh, green, and free from dust, mold, or pests. Despite its importance, many rabbits are hesitant to consume hay. Unlike dogs, cats, and other friends we might be familiar with, little herbivores have a very different anatomy. But, each cut is different and has its own nutritional profile. Rabbits have very complex digestive systems, and in order to keep things moving along, balance important gut flora, and prevent blockages in the gastrointestinal tract, they need hay. This gives your rabbit a little sweetness to go with their hay. When you have really good food around, you eat more of it! Most rabbit owners feed their bunnies Timothy hay because it's considered the "gold standard" of nutrition. Timothy Hay should be a nice, deep green color, and can have some light or dark brown stems in there as well. The essential part of a rabbits diet is hay. These are made with just a touch of dried fruit. |, Select a purchase option to pre order this product, Beyond Timothy: Exploring the Wide World of Hay for Your Rabbit. We promise. A bittersweet addition to their diet, Can Rabbits Eat Kale? At the early stage of the rabbit's growth, grass hay (timothy or meadow) are essential food for the gut, which can provide the needed fiber for digestive process to function. All Rights Reserved. However, the cage or litter box hay bedding must be changed once or twice a week when it becomes mould or dirty. Nutrition is obviously very important so lets hit that subject first. Fresh hay is crucial for your rabbits health and enjoyment. Here are the key components to look for: Okay so you know what type of nutrients need to be in your rabbits pellets but what sources should they come from. Just be sure to introduce new hay types gradually and consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your rabbit's nutritional needs are being met. Feeding alfalfa hay or low fiber foods would defeat the purpose of the mission. But it can also be used as a hay topper similar to the herbal blends. Please contact me or comment if you have any questions or comments. By Dorothy H. on March 4, 2020 One of the benefits of Timothy hay is that it's widely available at pet stores, online retailers, and even some . Fortunately, it is also delicious for rabbits. 20 Best Hay for Rabbits Brands + Types like Timothy, Orchard, Oats or Your email address will not be published. If you have an active rabbit that can run free most of the time, then he or she may require more pellets. It can be difficult to keep your rabbits hay free from contamination in his or her cage. Pellets are way overused. But they love it even more with sprinkles on top. At Small Pet Select, we personally select our hay. If you notice your bunny isnt eating as much hay, cut back on the pellets. Unveiling the Culinary Delight for Bunnies Give your animal the chance to be fully themselves keep them busy doing what they love to do by making sure they always have hay to graze on, some surprise piles of safe flowers or greens hidden for them to find, and toys they can chew and tug. Root vegetables like carrots should only be fed as a treat. And needs. A rabbits primary food source should be high-quality, unlimited hay like Timothy, brome, orchard hay. My name is Hemant, and I am here to solve every problem you get while having a pet. It definitely has enough fiber and protein to keep your rabbit healthy and happy. Slowly increase the amount of good timothy pellets over a two-week period until your rabbit is off of the junk pellets. 2nd Cut Timothy Hay For Rabbits: Benefits & Why You Should It If the hay is brown, dusty, or choppy, that usually indicates that it isnt very fresh and that you have obtained the scraps, which your rabbit probably wont like to eat. Choose the hay that best suits your rabbits preferences. A rabbits diet yes!!! This allows them to graze throughout the day, mimicking their natural feeding behavior. For example, a lot of rabbits like to eat while they poop!Putting a pile of hay in the front of their litter box encourages them to eat more hay and it also encourages them to use the litter box more. There may be a few strands of light brown in there, but on the whole, your hay should be green. In fact, its so important, that 80% of what your bun is eating should be fresh, quality rabbit hay. Herbscan provide additional nutrients and flavors that can help keep your rabbit healthy and happy. These basics will help get you off to a great start with your new guy or gal. The leaves of orchard hay are typically lengthy, soft, dust-free, pleasant to pick up, and have no seed heads. The super yummy taste makes for a great treat hay. Here are some suggestions to get your rabbit to eat more hay: A rabbits primary nutrition source is fresh grass or hay, but because some people may be unable to provide fresh forage diet for their rabbits, hay is the next best option. Not given any love or attention that they so deserved, let alone the exercise and proper diet of rabbit hay they deserved. Animal experts and advocates are starting to talk about why rabbits are such wonderful small animals. Since rabbits would probably eat this hay for food, the hay must be replaced once every two to three days. Consider using airtight containers or resealable bags to prevent exposure to moisture and contaminants. In addition to providing hay to your small animal, giving themchewslike organic apple sticks and mobiles help maintain those ever-growing teeth. Mixing hay types can also be a great way to provide your rabbit with a varied and nutritious diet. You dont like to eat just anything. Still, western timothy hay is the most recommended. For more tips on hay storage, check out our article on five hay storage tips. The benefits of Timothy hay and what it can be fed to! - Central Once the hay has aired and is dry enough, farmers roll or bale the hay. ALWAYS. When you open a box of our hay, take a deep breath. Still, it is best to try out different types of hay as no rabbit is the same; they all have unique preferences, likes, and dislikes. While there are numerous other hays available, western timothy hay provides many benefits and has a texture and flavor that many rabbits enjoy. Digestive System Health: The long strands of timothy hay encourage proper digestion and help prevent the formation of hairballs in rabbits, reducing the risk of gastrointestinal blockages. Western Timothy Hay will provide a suitable foundation for your rabbits diet. Please spread the love and share this with your friends!Every little bit helps. So, lets find out all your answers in this article. Oxbow is a great brand of Western Timothy Has as it is high quality and free of mold, dust, and chemicals. Too many treats can throw off your rabbit's, guinea pig's, or chinchilla's digestive system and can lead to obesity and potential diarrhea. You can hide hay cubes in the hay pile as well! It is then cut and allowed to lay in the field until it is dry. Hay - FarmerDavePetSupply 2nd cut Timothy hay is readily available in most pet stores and online shops. Good rabbit hay doesnt just depend on type, but on WHEN and WHERE the crop was harvested. Alfalfa hay is a type of hay that is commonly fed to rabbits. But theres good news! Thus they require the chewing motion of food to wear them down and prevent them from growing painfully long. It is is widely available and reasonably priced, making it the most popular food option for pet rabbits. Its high fiber content promotes digestive health, while its balanced nutrient profile supports overall well-being. These are even more enticing when it comes to foraging! The single most crucial factor in ensuring that all rabbits have optimal digestive and dental health is the high fiber content of grass. Fiber keeps their digestive system moving as it should, which keeps your rabbit moving as they should! Eating a well-balanced diet of Timothy Hay, fresh greens, safe herbs and flowers, and plenty of fresh water will keep your friend not only looking but feeling great. For a one-size-fits-all approach Timothy hay works well. He is very picky about his hay, but never turns his nose up at this. Mixing other hays may also give your rabbit different flavors and even nutritional differences. My current house rabbit is Mr. Bunny, he is a black and white Dutch that just turned 9 years old. By Dorothy H. on August 9, 2018 I'm a North Carolina-raised, rabbit loving fanatic. Some rabbits may prefer the taste and texture of orchard grass hay over Timothy hay, so it's worth considering as an alternative. When bunnies have enough rabbit hay to eat, the fiber keeps the digestive system moving along, and in most cases keeps teeth healthy and filed down. Because not eating hay is a major cause of dental disease and gut illnesses, putting in some effort to encourage your rabbit to eat more has real health benefits. Most veterinarians recommend feeding your rabbit at a rate of 1/8 cup to 1/4 Cup per day for every 5 pounds of body weight. 2nd cut Timothy hay offers an excellent balance of nutrients for your rabbit. Additionally, its palatability and availability make it an ideal choice for both rabbits and their owners. This article will discuss when to change rabbit hay, the best hay for your rabbits to consume, and many more. We recommend usingOxbow Alfalfa Hayfor your young rabbits from amazon, which contains high fiber, is an optimal protein source, and is steeled with vitamins and minerals for rabbits optimum health. Unlike dogs, cats, and other friends we might be familiar with, little herbivores have a very different anatomy. Hopefully, this article helped you learn about Western Timothy Hay for Rabbit. June 28, 2023, Can Rabbits Eat Mushrooms? Can Baby Rabbits Eat Timothy Hay? (Best Diet for Baby Rabbits) We have been a small family owned and operated business since 2004. With years of experience, I can assure you that you will find every solution to your problem in housedpet.com. Rabbit hay helps buns satisfy the natural urge to chew, but also encourages their love of foraging and grazing. Which cut you will need depends on the health and age of the rabbit. Unlimited, high-quality grass hay, such as Timothy, orchard or brome, should make up the bulk of a rabbit's diet. A bunnys teeth continually grow over their lives. How Often Should I Clean My Rabbits Ears? Of course, they love them because they are junk food. Its important to know that hay is a vital component of a small animals diet and has to be available your furry friend ALL THE TIME. Store the hay in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Do you ever go to refill your rabbits hay pile and find you dont need to? Right away. Timothy Hay is a perennial grass native to Europe. Timothy hay is a staple in the diet of many rabbits, providing essential nutrition and numerous health benefits. Like other small animals, hay is a vital part of a rabbits diet. 1st cut is definitely your go-to: its high in fiber, but lower in protein and fat. Vitakraft Small Animal Timothy Hay for Guinea Pigs, Rabbits, and These rabbits might like a hay manger. Every bunny is different and has unique dietary needs. They make awesome companion animals, so if youre lucky enough to welcome a rabbit unto your life, congrats! Some rabbits like to pull their hay. Also, it is essential to store the hay in a box or container away from moisture and sunlight to keep them clean and fresh as long as possible. Rabbits younger than 5-month-old should have a 50/50 mixture of Alfalfa and Timothy hay. Yep! The best of the best in all natural pet supplies becausewe are your pet's personal farmer! And, if you have adopted a rabbit or thinking of owning one, in that case, you have many questions about how to provide hay for your pet, mainly how frequently it should be changed and updated and how to determine when its time to switch it out for new hay. Timothy Hay is the ideal hay for everyday feeding for all types of small animals, including rabbits and guinea pigs, due to its palatability and nutritional qualities. Nutritionally, orchard grass hay is very similar to timothy hay with high fibre and low protein making it good hay for adult guinea pigs. When you have really good food around, you eat more of it! Oxbow Western Timothy Rabbit Hay - Best Overall Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon There are a lot of good brands of hay out there which have the perfect nutritional balance for your rabbit, and are nice-smelling and easy to serve out. Alfalfa Versus Timothy Hay for Rabbits - Purina So, lets get into it. High in fibre, and low in protein, calcium, and calories, Timothy Hay provides your pet with many digestive and dental health benefits: In addition to mixing hay types, you can also provide your rabbit with a variety of herbs and forages. However, if you have more than one rabbit, you should change or replace it twice or thrice a week, as most rabbits can consume an average hay rack in a week. Say goodbye to the middleman, to hay thats been suffocating in a plastic bag on the big-box store shelf, and to lugging hay bales in and out of your car. Moreover, its low calcium content reduces the risk of urinary tract issues, which are common in rabbits. A post shared by Small Pet Select (@smallpetselect). It was originally grown in the United States to feed livestock. Make sure that the pellets you feed are of excellent quality and Timothy based like these Oxbow pellets. Livestock hay and small animal hay are not the same. Timothy hay is absolutely essential to the well-being of the digestive tract. But be prepared! Also, it contains a low amount of calcium content which means it is more appropriate for adult rabbits. Consequently almost all of the Timothy hay is imported and extremely expensive to buy. Harvesting Timothy Hay Once you get that perfect Timothy growing in the fields, farmers can actually cut the hay up to 3 times throughout the growing season. Baby rabbit pellets should be based from Alfalfa rather than Timothy for the first 4 to 5 months of their life. But did you know that orchard hay does the fiber job just as well as Timothy hay? Alternatively, you could mix alfalfa hay with Timothy hay to provide a higher level of protein and calcium for young or pregnant rabbits. Hay nutrients are influenced by so many things. NEVER feed food or hay thats wet or smells moldy. It is also an excellent source of protein . Today, we will focus on the 2nd cut Timothy hay, a favorite among rabbit enthusiasts. Key benefits . You'll also receive new product alerts, special offers, blog posts, and more! No matter what type you feed your rabbit, they need fine, soft, fresh hay as part of their diet. By selecting the right type of hay and providing a varied diet that includes a mix of different hay types and fresh vegetables, you can help ensure that your rabbit remains healthy, happy, and thriving. Now that we know why 2nd cut Timothy hay is essential for your rabbit lets explore how to select the best quality hay. If this vital system stops doing its job of absorbing nutrition and moving everything along, there are serious issues. Overall, there are a variety of hay options available for pet rabbits, and it's worth exploring different types to find the best fit for your bunny's individual needs and preferences. When your small animal is healthy on the inside, it shows! Help to prevent digestive stasis. Timothy hay is a go-to staple in any happy bunny's diet. Feeding alfalfa hay to a young rabbit is how one should start out when it comes to feeding a rabbit and then eventually lead to feeding a rabbit timothy hay for the rest of it's life. Nutrition guidelines for Timothy hay pellets. Rabbits are more likely to eat hay that they find tasty. Rabbit farts: A smelly problem or a sign of good health? How Often Should I Change My Rabbit Hay? (All You Need To Know) - Housedpet Replacing hay is essential because some rabbits become picky eaters and may start avoiding hay if it is dirty, wet, or smells bad. The combination of Timothy Hays high fiber content and low protein content is essential for the well-being of rabbits and other small animals. High in Fiber Timothy Hay is extremely high in fiber, which is essential to your small pet's digestive health. When selecting hay, quality absolutely matters. This will help prevent digestive upset and ensure that your rabbit tolerates the new hay well. When most people think of rabbit hay, Timothy hay is usually the first type that comes to mind. They have complex needs and digestive systems, and these things require the right housing and the right diet. How often do rabbits require hay in their diet? Alfalfa hay doesnt have enough fiber for them. Just be sure to introduce new hay types gradually and consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your rabbit's nutritional needs are being met. All of the time. The digestive system of a rabbit is complex, and hay plays a vital role in keeping it healthy. Adding herbal blends to their hay encourages natural foraging behavior. They all make terrific companions and friends. This hay is soft and high in leaf content, making it a great choice for animals who are suffering with mouth pain. Timothy hay-based pellets contain high amounts of fiber that rabbits need to aid in digestion. Stay away from yogurt treats or anything that looks delicious or gourmet. Where should I put hay in my rabbits cage? Best Type of Floor for a Rabbit Enclosure, How to Treat Floppy Bunny Syndrome at Home. Kale, romaine lettuce and cilantro are excellent veggies that your rabbit will love. Some hay types are higher in protein, calcium, or calories than others, and feeding too much of these hay types can lead to health problems like obesity, urinary tract issues, or dental problems. Tagged with: nutrition. Mixing some alfalfa in with their other hay can make the whole pile more tempting. However, orchard grass hay tends to be not as widely available as timothy hay. For most of my house rabbits I tend to stay around the Cup per 5 pounds mark. The setup of your rabbit's enclosure can also affect how much timothy hay they eat. You should provide your rabbit with one bundle of fresh, high-quality hay daily. Most produced timothy hay has a combination of leaves and stems. Herbal Blends It is thick and coarse hay with very high fiber content, which is essential for a rabbits diet. Orchard: the perfect rabbit hay if youre looking to encourage hay eating, and a fantastic alternative for bunnies who may be allergic to Timothy hay. To learn more, check out this rabbit feeding guide. All Rights Reserved. We love the Bunnease product "Mrs. CleanHay" - it has a divider that allows for you to test two different types of hay to see which one one your rabbit likes best! While Timothy hay is a great option for most rabbits, there are other types of hay available that can offer additional nutritional benefits. Hay is the staple food that provides high fiber and other beneficial nutrition required for proper digestion. Western Timothy Hay for Rabbits (Review) - The Rabbit Expert To get the best service, choose the store closest to you: theres the possibility of digestion and stasis, with all that hay-munching going on, those teeth will wear down. Keep it in a breathable container, such as a cardboard box or a hay bag, to prevent mold growth. Rabbits have a unique digestive system that requires them to eat constantly to maintain gut motility. One aspect that is often overlooked is foot hygiene. A nice strong hay smell is a good sigh of freshness. Hay is a natural source of energy and fiber. First Cut Timothy Hay For Rabbits and Bunnies 7 ; Second Cut Timothy Hay For Bunnies, Guinea Pigs and Chinchillas 7 ; Second Cut Timothy Hay and CLOVER for Bunnies and Small Animals 5 ; Third Cut Timothy Hay For Small Animals 6 ; Cubes, Chips & Pellets 13 ; Hay Seed 7 ; Price.

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