What hay is best?

[LionBunn]

So i'm in the market for a new hay supplier. A potential supplier says they have 1st cut, is that ok for my boys? What i was getting was softer and very sweet smelling. I read 1st cut is higher in sugar. I hope someone can help me on this. Maybe what i was getting was 1st cut. My boys eat it up. Thanks.

 

[oryctolaguslady]

Hay from a first cutting is sometimes coarser and has more stems. The protein content is usually lower, and the lignin and fiber content higher. But that does not always hold true since 2nd, 3rd. or any other cutting of hay that is harvested later than it should be can also be stemmy and coarse and have lower nutrition.

The reality is that becuase of the fiber content of any hay, it goes on the "fast track" through the rabbit's digestive system and rabbits do not get a lot of nuitrition from any hay. (Its value and importance is more in the fiber.) So it does not matter that much what cutting of hay you get, as long as it is of a fairly uniform color, smells sweet, is not too dusty, and does not have lots of discolored or moldly-looking pieces. So as long as it looks good, get what hay your rabbits like to eat!

 

[JimD]

I've tried several suppliers and am most pleased with Sweet Meadow Farm.

http://www.sweetmeadowfarm.com/hay_timothy.html

I buy the 33-36 lb bulk box of their Classic Timothy Hay.
They ship Fed Ex and it works out to about a dollar a pound (I'm in northern NJ).
It's a little more cost than some, but cheaper than most.

I've been VERY happy with their hay.....almost as happy as my buns!

Depending on the time of the season, they supply different cuts. The buns seem to enjoy the variety though.

 

[LionBunn]

I was buying a 9 lb. bag for 7.00. That had to be 2nd cut. All this rain we had put a damper on it. Its really nice hay and smells wonderful. Now the only thing i found for a decent price is 1st cut thats 3.50 for 25 lbs. Just hate buyin it from the store because who knows how long its been sitting. I'll have to decide soon. This guy doesn't have much left. I don't have much storage space or i would've bought more of the "good stuff" while i could. I also have guinea pigs and they must have hay for vitamin C. I used to get hay @ the store that had to be 1st cut and they all ate it. It fit ok in the hay racks too.

 

[LakeCondo]

Right now there still should be a good supply. All hay in the US is harvested sometime in summer, so a new supply won't be available for awhile. It's all just a matter of where it's stored until then. I feel your pain as to having storage space. My condo is awfully small.

 

[ZRabbits]

JimD wrote:

I've tried several suppliers and am most pleased with Sweet Meadow Farm.

http://www.sweetmeadowfarm.com/hay_timothy.html

I buy the 33-36 lb bulk box of their Classic Timothy Hay.
They ship Fed Ex and it works out to about a dollar a pound (I'm in northern NJ).
It's a little more cost than some, but cheaper than most.

I've been VERY happy with their hay.....almost as happy as my buns!

Depending on the time of the season, they supply different cuts. The buns seem to enjoy the variety though.

Truly thanks for posting this. I'm from South Jersey and this looks really good. How is the age when shipping? Is there a lot of dust or shake? As my rabbitry grows I know I'm going to need quantity. And the pet store I go to, has a good variety of bunny stuff, but nothing in bulk. I will definitely look into this. Thanks so much.

K

PS: What do you use for bedding? Right now we use ECO green (non-deodored recycled paper). I like this product because it's sterile and recyclable. Works good in our compost. Would appreciate any input. Thanks.