Hay: alfafa VS. timothy

luna21 · Feb 18, 2010

I've had Trix on Alfafa since I got him in november, I was told he was pretty young and to continue on the Alfafa for a while till about 9mnths, I am thinking he is about 5-6 months now but we will know for sure when he gets neutered in march. My concern is he is getting big fast, I also heard that Alfafa is sweeter and makes them gain weight. When should I switch him to Timothy? I already have him on timothy pellets, and he really likes them

elrohwen · Feb 18, 2010

Since you are feeding timothy pellets, I don't think there's any issue with continuing the alfalfa hay for now. He's still growing and I don't think he'll get fat anytime soon.

I would mix some timmy hay in with the alfalfa - this way he'll get used to timmy and won't snub it when you do take the alfalfa away.

tamsin · Feb 18, 2010

Yep, I agree, he's done the majority of his growing now so mix the two types together for a while in preparation for swapping over to timothy.

luna21 · Feb 18, 2010

ok thanks guys:big wink:

pocketsizedrhino · Feb 18, 2010

Keep in mind that alfalfa has higher calcium levels that younger rabbits handle better while growing. Too much calcium can cause bad things like bladder sludge. I would go ahead and buy timothy hay and maybe just give Trix a little bit of alfalfa as a treat if he really loves it.