Hay questions

[mia9_28]

Hello,

Just a couple days ago, I actually had no idea that rabbits ABSOLUTELY needed hay. I always thought it was more of a treat than anything, from seeing people give hay to their rabbits. I got my first rabbit Whiskey on Friday (not a planned purchase), did some research that night and soon found out that she needs hay. OOOPS, I had only bought pellets. So the next day, I drove the 30+ minutes into town to get some alfafa hay as I had read that it is the hay given to young rabbits.

My question is: until when should she be fed alfala hay as the primary hay and can she have different types of hay now? I have no idea how old she is, but she is still young.. maybe 10 weeks? I’d love to have her try orchad and timothy hay, if she can have it this young.

Also, I hope it is okay for me to ask this on the forum, but are the hay bales sold in the Binky Bunny store dust free? I find that the bag I bought has way too much dust (Living World) and I’m constantly shaking it to get the strands only. If the bales are really just the strands, I’m totally sold! What is the difference between 1st and 2nd cut, anyway?

I’m grateful she loves her hay, as I have been reading about rabbits not eating their hay. Maybe she loves it a little too much… is there such a thing as a rabbit eating too much hay? lol

[bunnygirl]

She can have the alfalfa hay till about 6-7 months old. Then it’s strictly a treat, if not even given at all. Of course she can have other hays now! If you mix it all up with her alfalfa, it’ll make her eat more hay as she’ll have all these different types, and it’ll increase natural foraging instincts (she’ll always be sniffing for a certain type she wants!) so go for it!

No! Bunnys can never have too much hay! It’s brilliant she’s a little hay piggy – she’s benefitting her digestive system and her teeth! I can’t say about the bales – though other members may be able to! I’d imagine they’d be good though – binkybunny is a top store! Maybe try searching around for farm shops or horse supply stores. You can find large bales of hay for a cheap price (probably cheaper than the brand you bought!) try to stay away from popular generic brands if you can, they tend to be bad options for things such as hay! Go for something more professional – like Oxbow!

[mia9_28]

Thanks for the info!

Anybody able to tell me if the hay bales have any dust?
Also, what are the differences between 1st and 2nd cut?

[Silly Sungura]

First cut is crunchier, stiffer, has seed heads, and is a bit higher in fiber. Second cut is just softer. Some buns prefer one over the other because of the texture. And, no, BB hay is not dusty.

[LittlePuffyTail]

BB hay is excellent quality.

I use Oxbow hay. You can get Oxbow at Global Pet Foods. There are quite a few stores in NB. There is the odd dusty bag but for the most part, it’s great quality.

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