Fresh grass or hay should be the mainstay of every rabbit’s diet (dried grass). Hay for rabbits has numerous advantages including maintaining a healthy gut and also maintaining dental care of your rabbit and avoiding overgrown teeth wich are a nuisance to rabbits. Its high fiber content is the essential factor in dental and digestive health. The digestive system cannot carry food through the intestines without fiber, and your rabbit’s teeth, which are constantly growing, will not wear down and may become excruciatingly long. However, It’s difficult to know which hay is the finest, and you want to make sure the hay you buy is high-quality and devoid of mildew, dust, and chemicals. Timothy and meadow hay are both simple to come by and generally inexpensive. Keep in mind that some rabbits are pickier than others, so being open to different hay varieties is intelligent.
Here are some types of hay to keep in mind when choosing rabbits hay
- Timothy Hay
Timothy hay is a cool-season grass that can weather harsh weathers such as winter. Long, hollow stalks with spikelet blooms distinguish it from legumes. Timothy hay has less protein and other minerals than alfalfa hay, yet it is sufficient for adult rabbits. Timothy hay has enough fiber and protein to keep your rabbit happy and healthy. Timothy hay is the preferred rabbit feed since it is often less expensive than other hays.
- Orchardgrass hay
Orchard hay grass is also an excellent season hay grass that is more tolerant of harsh weather such as summers and drought, unlike timothy hay. Stems and cattails develop late in the season, growing in tufts. The milder texture of this hay may appeal to sure rabbits. It has a lot of sugar and fiber but very little protein. This can also be found in hay blends as a healthy additive. The cost will vary depending on the company and might range from low to high.
- Oat hay
Oat, wheat, and barley are examples of this type of hay. It is low in protein and vitamins, fiber, and other minerals. The crispy texture of the seed husks appeals to many rabbits, and you’ll see it mixed in with other hays. Unless you buy it in a blend, it isn’t as cheap as other hays.
- Herbal hay
Herbal hay is made out of hay mixed with herbs like dandelion or chamomile. Timothy hay is a common ingredient in herbal hay mixtures. Rabbits enjoy foraging, so herbal hay is a suitable alternative if you can’t give foraging options. Clover, hibiscus, lavender, rose, and elderflower makes excellent additions to this hay. Herbs are rich in vitamins and minerals, and they may also be used to treat a variety of diseases. Keep in mind that not all herbs are suitable for rabbit consumption. The use of herbs does not increase the price of this hay when compared to others, though.
- Meadow hay
Meadow hay is a blend of grass hays that provides your rabbit with a range of textures and flavors. Other plants, as well as residues and stone, may be present in the combination. As a result, depending on the type of grass cultivated, the protein and calcium levels might vary. On the plus side, meadow hay is frequently less expensive. If you buy this hay, make sure you know where it comes from and what’s in it; otherwise, you’ll have no idea what you’re feeding your rabbit.