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Timothy Hay for Rodents and Rabbits
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- Specialist sinds 2011
- Delivery from our own stock
Timothy Hay for Rodents and Rabbits
Timothy hay is a popular choice as a daily staple for rabbits and herbivores like guinea pigs, chinchillas, and degus. Its fiber-rich texture encourages prolonged chewing and fits well into a routine where plenty of hay is always available. In this category, you'll find various timothy varieties and packaging options, plus practical solutions for presenting hay cleanly and clearly. Specialist since 2011, fast delivery from our own stock.
Useful links within Hay & Ruiven
Timothy Hay in brief
- For whom: Ideal as a base for rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and degus.
- Why popular: Fibre-rich structure that encourages long chewing and natural foraging.
- Practical: offer it clean in a hay rack or hay bag .
- Tip: Feel free to alternate with meadow or mountain hay for extra variety in scent and texture.
What is timothy hay?
Timothy hay is made from timothy grass (Phleum pratense). It's known as a firm, high-fiber hay that's often eaten as a daily staple. Many pet owners choose timothy because its texture is pleasant to nibble on and because it easily combines with other hays for variety.
Timothy hay is also a popular choice if you're looking to monitor calcium intake, as timothy hay is known to have a relatively lower calcium content than some alternatives. In a varied diet, hay remains the mainstay of the hay patch.
Which animals is timothy hay suitable for?
- Rabbits: plenty of hay available daily, as a permanent hay spot in the enclosure.
- Guinea pigs: Provide plenty of food daily, preferably in a clean, fixed location.
- Chinchillas and degus: often very suitable as a basic hay in the routine.
- Hamsters, gerbils, rats and mice: mainly as nesting and activity material, or occasionally for nibbling.
Note: "The best hay" is ultimately the type your animal eats consistently. Therefore, alternating (for example, timothy alongside pasture or mountain pasture) often works very well in practice.
How to choose the right timothy variety
- Texture: Choose softer hay for picky eaters, or something firmer/coarser if your pet likes to nibble for a long time.
- Variation: herbs or flowers can help keep the hay patch attractive.
- Consumption: for multiple animals or large quantities, larger packages, bales or chunks are often more practical.
- Cleanliness: If hay quickly ends up in bedding or wet areas, choose a manger or hay bag.
Manger or hay bag: which suits your stay?
A permanent hay area often reduces waste. It keeps the hay cleaner longer and allows you to see more quickly how much is actually being eaten.
- Hay rack: handy if you want to create a sturdy, permanent eating area. View all options at Hay Racks .
- Hay bags: space-saving and often extra neat in use. View the options at Hay Bags .
Would you like us to help you choose the right one for your pet, the size of your enclosure, and your gnawing habits? Contact us via our service page .
Storing Timothy hay: how to keep it fresh
- Dry and airy: store hay in a breathable container rather than completely sealed airtight.
- Keep away from moisture: Hay that becomes damp can become musty smelling and less pleasant to eat.
- No strong odors: hay absorbs odors easily, so avoid placing it near cleaning products.
- Older stock first: this way your hay patch will retain the most consistent quality.
Checklist: Is your timothy choice right?
- It is actually eaten: you see clear absorption daily (not just “dragged in”).
- Fresh scent and dry texture: no musty smell or wet spots in the manger.
- Suitable location: the hay area is not directly above the toilet area.
- Correct size: the manger/bag is appropriate for the size of your animal and its enclosure.
- Variation works: alternate with meadow hay or mountain meadow hay if necessary.
Maintenance: clean, simple and predictable
- Daily Refresh: Replace any hay that is readily accessible, especially if it becomes damp or soiled.
- Cleaning the trough/bag: clean regularly and check the fastenings.
- Fixed hay spot: a fixed spot helps to better assess cleanliness and intake.
- Checking stock: for bulk orders , bale/chunk packaging is often practical.
Safety
- Sturdy mounting: Hanging mangers/hay bags should be stable and hang at a safe height.
- Check edges and openings: avoid pinching and look for wear or sharp parts.
- Do not leave wet hay lying around: remove damp or soiled hay immediately and refill with clean, dry hay.
- Unsure about the model: choose a simpler type or ask us for advice via service .
FAQ Timothy hay
How much timothy hay do I give per day?
For rabbits and herbivores like guinea pigs, chinchillas, and degus, it's common to have plenty of hay available at all times. Refresh the feeding area daily and remove soiled hay.
Is timothy hay better than pasture hay?
That depends on what your animal likes to eat. Timothy is often chosen as a solid base; meadow hay is a good all-around option. Varying the hay can help keep the hay patch attractive.
My pet is picky about hay. What usually works well?
Try a different structure or add variety, for example, with herbal hay or a second type of hay. A neat hay area in a manger or hay bag can also improve intake.
What is useful for bulk consumption?
Consider larger packs, bales, or chunks, and combine with a large feeder or sturdy hay bag for quick refilling.
