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Hay & Hay Racks – Timothy, Mountain Meadow, Herb Hay, Meadow Hay, Fresh Grass Hay, Chunks & Hay Bags for Rodents and Rabbits
Hay & Racks for Rodents and Rabbits
Hay is a staple in the daily routine for rabbits and many herbivores (such as guinea pigs, chinchillas, and degus). It helps encourage natural nibbling, active foraging, and keeps the enclosure "alive." For other rodents (such as hamsters, gerbils, rats, and mice), hay is primarily used as nesting and activity material, or as a nibble. In this category, you'll find various types of hay, as well as smart hay racks and hay bags for presenting hay cleanly, accessibly, and in an organized manner. Specialist since 2011.
Timothy, mountain meadow, pasture, herbal hay, fresh grass hay and bulk consumption.
With mangers and hay bags, hay stays fresh for longer and less is wasted.
Clear tips for beginners and enthusiasts who want to compare precisely.
Subcategories Hay & Racks
Voting aid in 30 seconds
- Rabbit/guinea pig/chinchilla/degu: always ensure there is plenty of hay available and refresh the feeding area daily.
- Hamster/gerbil/rat/mouse: use hay primarily as nesting and activity material and offer it clean (preferably not throughout the enclosure).
- Unsure between varieties? Start with meadow or timothy and then add a second variety for variety in scent and texture.
Which type of hay is right for your animal?
The "best" type of hay is usually the kind your pet enjoys and eats consistently. Variety can help: for example, alternate a basic hay with a more aromatic variety to keep your pet curious and your feeder appealing.
- Timothy hay: high-fibre, popular base and often well accepted.
- Mountain meadow hay: fragrant and often somewhat coarser or "richer" in structure.
- Meadow hay: an all-round choice for daily use.
- Herbal hay: extra variety in scent and taste (great if your animal is fussy).
- Fresh grass hay: soft and fragrant, a nice change of pace.
- Hay bales and chunks: handy for bulk use and sometimes fun as an extra activity.
Tip: Always look for a fresh smell and a dry, airy texture when using hay. If hay becomes damp or heavily soiled, it's best to remove it immediately.
Which hay rack or hay bag do you choose?
A good hay rack or hay bag keeps hay cleaner longer and turns the hay area into a permanent, peaceful spot. Choose your hay rack based on its gnawing behavior, placement, and the size of your animal.
- Wooden hay racks: natural in the enclosure and practical for everyday use.
- Hanging mangers and hay bags: save space and often reduce waste.
- Standing mangers: useful for larger enclosures or multiple animals.
- Gnaw-resistant models: smart if your pet is a fanatic gnawer of wood or is quick to destroy it.
Need quick advice based on your pet and your accommodation? Feel free to send us a message via our service page .
Storing hay: how to keep it fresh
- Store in a cool, dry place: preferably in a breathable box/bag rather than in a fully sealed plastic container.
- Avoid moisture: hay that becomes damp can start to smell musty and is less pleasant to eat.
- Keep it clean: Store hay away from cleaning products or strong odors.
- Work on a “first in, first out” basis: use up older stock first.
Checklist: how to make the right choice
- Is your pet eating well? Choose a type that's actually "gooey"; otherwise, vary the texture or scent.
- Daily routine: do you want a basic hay diet or extra variation (add herbs/fresh grass hay)?
- Consumption: high-volume or multiple animals? Consider bales/chunks or larger packages.
- Manger or bag: choose a model that suits the size of your pet and its location in the enclosure.
- Cleanliness: Does hay often end up in bedding or litter boxes? Move the manger or pick a hanging one.
Maintenance: hygienic and practical
- Change any readily accessible hay daily (especially if it becomes damp or soiled).
- Clean the troughs and bags regularly and check their attachment/suspension.
- Provide a permanent hay area (preferably not directly above the toilet area).
- Does hay smell musty? Replace it and check the storage location or moisture in the enclosure.
Safety: what should you pay attention to?
- Stable placement: Hanging mangers/hay bags should be stable and hang at a safe height.
- Check openings and edges: avoid pinching and look for wear or sharp parts.
- Remove wet or soiled hay immediately and refill with clean, dry hay.
- Not sure about a model? Choose a simpler manger or ask us for advice.
FAQ Hay & Racks
My pet eats some hay but not others. What can I do?
Try a different structure (for example, timothy versus mountain pasture) or alternate. A second variety as a variation often helps keep the manger attractive.
Is a hay rack or hay bag really necessary?
It's not essential, but it usually helps keep hay cleaner and reduces waste. A hay manger is a practical solution, especially for animals that like to pee in hay or drag it through their enclosure.
What is useful if I use a lot of hay?
Consider hay bales or chunks and combine them with a large feeder or a sturdy hay bag. This way, you can refill more quickly and keep the hay area tidy.
Which animals really need hay every day?
Primarily rabbits and herbivores like guinea pigs, chinchillas, and degus. For other rodents, hay usually provides additional activity and nesting material.
