First Cut Timothy Hay: is best for overweight rabbits, those who may need additional fiber or are experiencing more problematic dental issues. Allergies, especially to Timothy Hay are common (you aren’t alone!). Alfalfa hay and timothy hay are different nutritionally Alfalfa hay and timothy hay are both forage sources commonly used in rabbit and guinea pig diets. Alfalfa contains higher concentrations of protein and calcium compared to timothy hay … Health. Nutritionally speaking, however, they are very different. Timothy hay (Timothy grass) is a foraging grass that grows well in cool climates. Orchard hay is especially good for picky rabbits. When harvesting hay, the first cutting is a coarser hay that includes a lot of stems and seed heads (and inevitably, a lot of pollen). Therefore, it is suitable for your bunnies. Thanks for any advice! Mimi LOVES the soft pieces, & recently the lady @ the store recommended Orchard Grass - genius! Orchard grass is a great main diet for all rabbits … This hay is greener than 1st cut and not as stemy. . This thread is archived. Second cut hay is a good hay for healthy adult rabbits. However, it is slightly lower in calcium and somewhat higher in calories. save hide report. A quick look at orchard grass vs. timothy hay for rabbits indicates that orchard has the same calcium to phosphorus as well as comparable fiber (34%) and protein (10%). Orchard Grass can be a wonderful alternative for you and your small pet while still giving them all the important nutrients they need. 103-124 = either a very nice grass hay or an alfalfa mix - the kind of hay you want to buy Timothy hay (best for adult rabbits) Meadow hay (best for adult rabbits) Oat hay (best for adult rabbits) Orchard grass hay (best for picky eaters) Alfalfa hay (best for baby/junior rabbits) Timothy hay for rabbits. Once rabbits reach seven months of age, gradually switch them over to timothy, orchard grass, and/or oat hay. It is higher in calories than timothy hay due to its higher fiber digestibility. 4 comments. I never knew it even existed, for yrs I'd be sorting the Timothy hay to find the pieces she loves. In our experience, people who are allergic to Timothy Hay are less allergic to our Orchard Grass. Orchard grass has on average 34% fibre, 10% protein, and 0.33% calcium. 75-86 = gelding chewing hay during the winter - can eat all they want and not founder - not for performance horses 87-102 = nicer hay, general medium quality hay - will keep an animal in decent condition by itself with no grain if not working. Second Cut Timothy Hay: this is pretty much the go to hay for most rabbits. Hi there :) Is one superior? For people with allergies, look for the second cutting of hay. Green and rich in aroma and nutrition.” Oat, Wheat & Barley Hay – “Oat Wheat & Barley – “A yummy mix of coarse stem, broad leaf and seed head. Click on the link to order 2nd cut timothy hay->> 2nd cut hay best. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Absolutely Orchard Grass only is absolutely okay – it is a grass hay just like the Timothy hay so it’s perfectly fine. The only thing with Orchard Grass though is that it may be more seasonal than Timothy Hay but I’m not entirely sure of that, hopefully some other forum members will know if … Timothy Hay Vs. Orchard Grass Hay. the vast majority of seed heads should be removed before offering it (to avoid a variety of health problems that excess carbs can cause). It’s perennial, so grows repeatedly year on year. The varieties under consideration were: Western Timothy Hay – “A quality US timothy hay: a mix of thin stem, seed head and green leaf.”; Readigrass – “A short chopped and rapid dried grass. share. It usually has more leaves on the stems which is more attractive to your rabbit. 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