1st cut of hay

[kamdynandsunshinesmom]

Hi there I have seen when I am ordering hay what is the difference between 1st cut and 2nd cut timothy hay? and some don’t say even say 1st and 2nd cut.

[tobyluv]

There is probably more to it than this, but a simple answer is that the 1st cut hay has more stems and stalks and seeds and is coarser, and the 2nd cut hay is softer and more grassy/leafy. The 1st cut hay will have more fiber, but the 2nd cut hay has more protein and mineral values, since those are found more in the leaves. Since rabbits need plenty of fiber, 1st cut is usually recommended, but some rabbits may prefer the softer texture of 2nd cut hay and therefore eat more of it. It is also good for rabbits who for whatever reason, have a hard time eating the coarser, stalkier hay. I think the only hay that I have seen labeled as 2nd cut is the APD Timothy Gold. If the hay is not labeled, I’m not sure what cut it is.

[kamdynandsunshinesmom]

I just received my new box of hay from sweet meadow farms and my question is there is alot of dried leaves in it and more brown hay then oxbow normally has? It does smell fresh like oxbow does my buns are eating it. thanks

[BaileyBun]

 I get my hay from sweet meadow farms, too, but mine doesn’t usually have leaves in it. I get the 2nd cut timothy, and it’s always really green. Their meadow hay has more brown pieces, from what I’ve seen. I go directly to the farm and buy it by the bale, but I’ve seen their smaller bags they ship out, and those always look high quality to me.

This is what my hay looks like: 

[BaileyBun]

Here’s a better pic:

[kamdynandsunshinesmom]

yes that is what mine looks like. It seems different than oxbow

[BaileyBun]

Hmm, I haven’t ever tried oxbow, because it’s so much cheaper to buy by the bale. I think it’s strange that there are a lot of dried leaves in yours, though, because I’ve only seen a few dried leaves in mine.

[kamdynandsunshinesmom]

well i was gone for a day and put alot of hay in my buns litter box my male rabbit I came back today and it looks like none of the hay is gone. Now i put alot in my female rabbits litterbox and most of her hay was gone. I just hope my male rabbit eats it because he is ill right now. Can rabbits be picky with there hay?

[Queensbun]

How’s your bun doing? If he’s ill, you may wish to take him to the vet to get him checked out. Is he eating hay or any veggies? You may want to try other types of hay like oat or orchard grass. Sometimes I sprinkle a little alfalfa to get my bun interested.

[kamdynandsunshinesmom]

Thank you and yes i have taken my rabbit to the vet and he does eat alot of hay and veggies. I just ordered a different brand of hay and I am not sure I like it the buns eat it. I am not sure if they eat alot of it.

[KatnipCrzy]

Bunnies can be picky about hay so if your bunny is not feeling well it is important to offer the hay he prefers while he is sick.

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