What goes in the hay rack? How to choose the right hay

• Geplaatst op 23 April 2026
• Geplaatst in Chinchilla, degu, Guinea Pig, Rabbit
• 0

What actually belongs in a hay rack? Discover which hay suits your animals and when to choose a base hay rack, hay bag or extra enrichment.

What goes in the hay rack? The short answer

In a hay rack, the main thing you put in is simply hay. Not a mixture of random extras, not snacks as the main focus, but a proper type of hay that suits your animals. That could be timothy hay, meadow hay, mountain meadow hay or another option from our category hay for rodents & rabbits.

What is a good base hay rack?

A good base hay rack is practical first and foremost. You want the hay to stay clean, your animals to be able to reach it easily, and you want to be able to see clearly how much is actually being eaten. That sounds simple, but in daily care it makes a real difference.

For one animal, a compact base rack may sometimes be enough. For a pair or a group, however, you need to think beyond “it holds hay.” Ideally, your animals should be able to eat together when they want to, without constantly pushing each other away. That is why a spacious base rack is often a better choice than a small one. In larger groups, several racks or several hay spots usually work best.

When we look at a base rack, we mainly focus on three things: accessibility, size and ease of use. A rack may look nice, but above all it has to work for the animal.

What should you look for in a base hay rack?

• The rack should be suitable for the size and number of your animals.
• The hay should stay dry, clean and neatly presented.
• With multiple animals, several feeding spots or several openings are often much more comfortable.
• The rack should suit the enclosure: standing, hanging, wall-mounted or in a corner.
• Refilling should be quick and practical.

Not every animal has the same need for hay

This is also an important specialist point. For rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and degus, hay is a fixed daily part of life. That means they need a serious, easy-to-reach hay spot. For animals such as hamsters, gerbils, rats and mice, hay is much more often used as nesting material, activity material or an occasional nibble. That also means that a “nice hay rack” means something different for these animals than it does for a rabbit or guinea pig.

Hay bag or hay rack: which works better?

A hay rack and a hay bag both have their own advantages. A base hay rack is often clear, easy to refill and practical as a fixed hay spot. A hay bag, on the other hand, can be very tidy, space-saving and ideal in certain enclosures.

So yes, a hay bag can definitely be a base hay spot. This is especially true if you choose a model with multiple openings or use several hay bags for a pair or group. Here too, it is important not only to look at how nice it looks, but above all at how your animals can actually use it.

Base hay spot or enrichment? That distinction matters

One of the most important things we like to explain is the difference between a base hay spot and an enrichment spot. A base hay spot is the place where your animal should always be able to reach hay easily. That is the fixed place for daily hay.

Of course, you can also add extra variety. Think of a hanging rack, a safe hay ball, a hay roll or other enrichment solutions with hay. These are wonderful additions for variety, activity and natural behaviour, but they do not replace the base.

The same applies to hay bales and chunks. They are practical as stock, for larger consumption or as an extra nibbling spot, but in practice things work best when there is always a proper, easy-to-reach base hay rack or hay bag as well.

The different types of hay explained

Which type of hay you choose depends on your animals, their preferences and what you are looking for in structure, scent and daily use. There is no single hay type that is automatically the only right choice for everyone. That is exactly why we think it is so important to help owners compare properly.

1. Timothy hay

Timothy hay is a very popular choice as a daily base for rabbits and other herbivores. Many owners choose timothy because it has a clear, fibre-rich structure and fits well into a consistent routine. If you are looking for a hay type that is often used as a steady base, timothy is a logical first step.

2. Meadow hay

Meadow hay is the classic all-round choice. It often offers a nice balance of scent, structure and ease of eating. If you want an accessible base hay that works well in many situations, meadow hay is a very pleasant option for many owners.

3. Mountain meadow hay

Mountain meadow hay is often chosen when you want a little more scent, structure and character in the hay area. This type of hay often appeals to animals that like to nibble longer. It is a lovely choice when your animal enjoys hay with a bit more natural character.

4. Herbal hay

Herbal hay is especially interesting as a variation. It brings extra scent and often makes the hay spot more attractive. We therefore mainly see herbal hay as a nice addition alongside a base hay, or as a way to make the hay area more interesting for fussier eaters.

5. Fresh grass hay

Fresh grass hay is known for its fresh scent and often softer, greener appearance. It is a lovely option for variety and is often used to make the hay area extra appealing.

6. Hay bales and chunks

Hay bales and chunks are practical if you use a lot of hay, want more compact storage, or want to offer an extra nibbling spot next to the main hay area. They are practical and fun for variation, but in our experience they work best as an addition to a good base rack or hay bag.

What hay setup often works well in practice?

For many owners, a simple structure works best:

• choose one base hay type for the daily hay spot;
• use a spacious base hay rack or a practical hay bag;
• only then add variety with herbal hay, fresh grass hay or an enriching hay roll or hay ball.

That way, the foundation stays calm and clear, while you can still offer variety. That is exactly how we look at it as a specialist too: first make sure the daily hay spot is right, then add the extras.

Featured: three lovely choices for a good hay spot

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Alpine Meadow Hay 5 kg

A lovely choice if you are looking for a fragrant, natural base with a pleasant structure and enough stock at home.

• Ideal as daily hay for rabbits and herbivores
• Practical for larger consumption
• A great choice if you like characterful mountain meadow hay

View product

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Metal Hay Rack Standing with Roof 20 cm

A practical base hay rack for owners who want to offer hay neatly, clearly and cleanly.

• Standing model with an easy-to-reach hay spot
• The roof helps keep the hay neatly inside the rack
• Very practical as a fixed base hay spot in the enclosure

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Hay Rack Durian Wood 24 cm

A beautiful base hanging hay rack for anyone who prefers a natural look and a fixed hanging spot in the enclosure.

• Base hay rack made from durian wood
• With hanging hooks and a closable lid
• Very suitable as a hanging base rack at the right height

View product

Helpful shop links

All hay types
Timothy hay
Mountain meadow hay
Herbal hay
Meadow hay
Fresh grass hay
Hay bales & chunks
Hay racks
Hay bags

Frequently asked questions about hay and hay racks