The Complete Guide to Rabbit Hay: A Thorough Comparison of Timothy, Alfalfa, and Orchard Grass | ブリちょく
Small Animals| ✍️ BreederDirect Editorial
The Complete Guide to Rabbit Hay: A Thorough Comparison of Timothy, Alfalfa, and Orchard Grass
We explain the types of hay that serve as rabbits' main food and their nutritional characteristics, along with key points on how to select and feed appropriate amounts based on age and health status.
Key Takeaways
We explain the types of hay that serve as rabbits' main food and their nutritional characteristics, along with key points on how to select and feed appropriate amounts based on age and health status.
For rabbits, hay is not merely a "treat" but an essential food that must be consumed continuously as their main diet. By eating sufficient hay, the foundation of health is supported—tooth wear (rabbit teeth continuously grow throughout their lives), maintaining intestinal peristalsis, preventing hairball disease, and more. This article provides detailed explanations of the major types of hay and their characteristics, as well as how to select hay based on age and health condition.
Why is Hay So Important?
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Rabbit teeth, particularly molars, continuously grow throughout their lifetime. The action of chewing and grinding the fibrous texture of hay causes teeth to wear appropriately. Insufficient hay causes teeth to overgrow, leading to malocclusion (abnormal bite), which can ultimately result in loss of appetite, weight loss, and even death.
Digestive Tract Health
Rabbit intestines must constantly keep moving. The abundant crude fiber in hay promotes intestinal peristalsis, preventing gastrointestinal stasis (GI Stasis), a life-threatening condition.
Weight Management
Hay is low in calories and high in fiber, so rabbits can eat as much as they want without easily becoming obese. Pellets, in contrast, are high in nutrients and overeating can lead to obesity. The ideal approach is to position hay as the main food and pellets as a supplementary food.
Major Types of Hay
Timothy Grass (Phleum pratense)
The most widely used hay for rabbits worldwide. It is characterized by balanced nutritional value and moderate crude fiber content.
Protein: 8–10%
Calcium: 0.4–0.6%
Crude fiber: 30–35%
Ideal as the main food for adult rabbits (6 months and older). First cutting (harder, higher fiber) excels at tooth wear, while second cutting (softer, more palatable) suits rabbits with decreased appetite or picky eaters. Third cutting is even softer with more leaf content.
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
A legume hay with exceptionally abundant protein and calcium.
Protein: 15–18%
Calcium: 1.2–1.5%
Crude fiber: 25–28%
Due to its excessively high nutritional content, it is not suitable as a main food for adult rabbits. It is recommended as a supplementary food for growing rabbits (under 6 months of age), pregnant rabbits, nursing rabbits, and rabbits requiring weight recovery. Feeding large amounts to healthy adults can cause urinary calculi (from excess calcium) or obesity.
Orchard Grass (Dactylis glomerata)
A popular grass hay rivaling Timothy grass. With soft leaves and a sweet aroma, it is highly palatable and readily accepted even by rabbits that dislike Timothy hay.
Protein: 10–12%
Calcium: 0.3–0.5%
Crude fiber: 28–32%
It is easy to use as a Timothy grass alternative and can promote appetite when mixed and offered together.
Other Types of Hay
Bermuda Grass: Low protein and low calcium, suitable for rabbits with kidney disease
Oat Hay: Characterized by sweet aroma and seeds (immature heads). Used in small amounts as a treat
Wheat Grass: Rich in digestive enzymes that aid digestion. Suitable for small-quantity supplementation
Selection by Age and Health Condition
Condition
Main Food
Supplementary
Young Rabbits (up to 6 months)
Alfalfa
Small amounts of Timothy hay
Adults (6 months–5 years)
Timothy hay (1st or 2nd cutting)
Mixed Orchard grass
Seniors (5 years and older)
Timothy hay 2nd cutting (softer)
Small amounts of Alfalfa for nutrition
Slightly Overweight
Timothy hay 1st cutting (primary)
Reduce pellets
Kidney Disease
Bermuda grass or low-calcium hay
Follow veterinarian's instructions
When listing or purchasing rabbits in the Brichoku small animal category, this hay knowledge is useful for explaining the care environment. Remember that proper hay management is behind every healthy rabbit.
Hay Feeding Amount and Storage
Feeding Amount
The guideline is to provide hay equivalent to the rabbit's body size in fresh condition daily. In practice, the ideal is to maintain a constant supply in the hay rack without it becoming completely empty, providing amounts the rabbit will consume without waste. Replace any leftovers with fresh hay daily.
Storage Method
Hay is susceptible to moisture, direct sunlight, and pests. After purchase, store in a cool, well-ventilated place (no need to refrigerate) in paper bags or breathable bags. Avoid sealing in plastic bags, as moisture can cause mold growth.
Ideally, use opened hay within 1–2 weeks, as older hay with faded aroma loses palatability. Purchasing frequent small packs rather than large bags helps maintain freshness.
Solutions When Rabbits Won't Eat Hay
Strategies for picky eaters or rabbits that dislike hay:
Try multiple types and cuttings to find the preferred hay
Place the hay rack near the toilet (rabbits have a habit of eating while defecating)
Mix small amounts of herbs (such as parsley or basil) over the hay to increase palatability
Occasionally mix in fresh hay (fresh grass)
Reduce pellets to increase relative dependence on hay (after consulting a veterinarian)
