Is All Timothy Hay The Same?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Grass hay is grass hay. They are not different products; it’s all the same Timothy grass hay . ... They are not different products; it’s all the same Timothy grass hay. The reason the term “grass hay” is used is to distinguish it from legume hay, such as alfalfa or peanut, which is richer.

Are there different types of timothy hay?

Timothy hay comes in three different cuts , which vary a bit from each other: First cut is the roughest and highest in fibre, and slightly lower in nutritional value. Second cut is a balanced amount of fibre and protein. Third cut is softer and greener, with relatively less fibre and more protein.

What cut of timothy 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 timothy hay is the best?

  1. Small Pet Select Timothy Hay. Buy on Amazon. ...
  2. Oxbow Western Timothy Hay. ...
  3. Standlee Premium Western Timothy Grass. ...
  4. Kaytee Natural Timothy Hay. ...
  5. Kaytee Timothy Hay Plus Variety Pack. ...
  6. Kaytee Wafer-Cut Hay. ...
  7. Vitakraft Fresh & Natural Timothy Hay. ...
  8. Carefresh Timothy Hay.

What’s the difference between timothy hay and western timothy hay?

Timothy hay is a good all- around choice for unlimited offering to your rabbit. ... Note: Timothy Hay is more suitable for adult rabbits due to the low calcium content. Oxbow Western Timothy Hay is high in fibre, low in protein and calcium and is a good, basic grass hay with high quality nutrition.

Is Timothy hay the same as meadow hay?

What is Meadow Hay? Meadow Hay is mainly made up of native soft stemmed pasture grasses. These contain more leaves than Timothy Hay, making it have an overall softer texture. ... Meadow Hay being softer also makes it better as a bed and to forage in, but also less consistent in content than Timothy Hay.

Is second cut hay better than first?

They are generally given grain as well. First cut hay is grass heavy and doesn’t have a lot of legumes, such as alfalfa or cover. ... Second cut hay has a finer texture and usually, a greener color and heavier leaves. It is more dense, the leaves are more tender and healthier, especially in protein.

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. ... Compared to Timothy Grass, Orchard Grass grows better in moderate drought conditions and provides a solid three hay cuttings per year.

Is meadow or timothy hay better for rabbits?

Hay Type Meadow Crude Fibre 33% Crude Protein 7% Calcium 0.6%

How can you tell good quality hay?

  1. Maturity – High quality hay will have a high proportion of leaves in the bale, with few or no coarse stems or seed heads.
  2. Condition – High quality hay will contain little dust or mold.
  3. Color & odor – High quality hay generally has a bright green color and a sweet, fresh odor.

How long is hay good for?

Storing Hay

You can store hay indefinitely if the stack is managed correctly; although, in humid climates, using hay within three years of harvest is ideal. Hay growers need to bale it at correct moisture levels because if it’s baled too damp the hay will generate heat, which leads to molding.

Is Oxbow timothy hay first cut?

All Oxbow hay is purposefully harvested at a young stage of the plant’s growth, whether it’s during a first or later cutting. ... Popular grass hay options for adult herbivores include Western Timothy, Oat Hay, Orchard Grass, Organic Meadow Hay, and others.

Where is Oxbow timothy hay grown?

Oxbow’s Family of Farms

All Oxbow hay is grown on our family of farms by longtime partners who are experts in the production of premium hay. All Oxbow farms are located in the United States in climates ideally suited for producing hay that meets the strictest quality attributes.

What kind of hay is best for bunnies?

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.

Can rabbits eat grass from the yard?

Grass is safe to rabbits in very high quantities . It contains a wide variety of vitamins, nutrients, and fiber that all work to aid a rabbit’s health and digestion. Fresh grass also has more effective silica along the blades that are great for preventing rabbit teeth from overgrowing.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.