Difference Between Orchard Hay and Timothy Hay?

[Sophie's Humble Servant]

Hi,

So what's the difference exactly? I looked at the nutritional information for both types and they have EXACTLY the same percentages of protein, fibre etc.

I feed Sophie Timothy Hay exclusively but the Orchard Hay was so much greener than any of the Timothy hays I've seen.

So I'm curious if this is something that can be fed exclusively too or would it upset her tummy or not be ideal nutritionally?

Maybe I should also mention that the two types of hays I was comparing were both Oxbow products.

Thanks for any info/advice

 

[Korr_and_Sophie]

They do taste different and might be a bit of a different texture. Some people are allergic to timothy, but fine with orchard grass.
Giving orchard grass should not harm your rabbit, even if fed exclusively. You could try it as a treat and see if she likes it and even make it part of your regular feeding.

 

[Sophie's Humble Servant]

Ok great, thanks for the info. I guess the only problem would be if she ends up liking the orchard hay better...and then I have trouble finding it :S

 

[Chrisdoc]

I mix the hays so that they never get used to one exclusive taste. I feed mountain hay with flowers, I have fed timothy, I bought a bale last year and I've just bought a bag from the vet which they translate as fescue hay. Means that I can always get one they will eat and gives them a bit of variety.

 

[Sophie's Humble Servant]

I also briefly looked at Botanical hay. It's expensive for sure so I'm assuming there's something special about it?

 

[Korr_and_Sophie]

Botanical is just timothy hay with flowers in it.

If you can get oxbow products where ever you are moving to, it should not e hard to find their hays. You may need to ask to get things ordered in, but if they carry oxbow, it should not be a big issue. I would try shopping at smaller local stores rather than bit chain stores as they can be more flexible with ordering things they don't keep in stock. There are some websites that carry it and ship. https://montrealcritters.com/ carries Oxbow and has a flat shipping rate.

 

[Sophie's Humble Servant]

Thank you

I think I've found a pretty good store where I'm moving. It's called Woofys. I emailed them and they have oxbow and a good selection of specialty holistic pet foods.

 

[Watermelons]

Bev, have you thought of going the route of buying a full bale?
We have some great fields in the valley that produce excellent hay.

 

[Sophie's Humble Servant]

Bev, have you thought of going the route of buying a full bale?
We have some great fields in the valley that produce excellent hay.

Hi,

Yes I've heard the hay is really good but I don't know if I have room to store a full bale. My house there is a lot smaller and I'd worry about storing it outside...or is there a good way of doing this?

 

[Watermelons]

Well I will be purchasing a bale closer to July before I head back to the Mainland, if you want to just grab a flake or 2 off whatever I get? I'm sure I will still be working in Gold River at that point so lots of trips through the valley.

 

[Sophie's Humble Servant]

Well I will be purchasing a bale closer to July before I head back to the Mainland, if you want to just grab a flake or 2 off whatever I get? I'm sure I will still be working in Gold River at that point so lots of trips through the valley.

Sure, that would be great!