Best Hay for Rabbits: Timothy vs Orchard vs Alfalfa

📅 ✍️ by Admin Bunny🏷️ Nutrition & Diet

What’s the Best Hay for Rabbits?

Timothy hay is the gold standard for adult rabbits (6+ months) – high fiber, low calcium, promotes dental health. Orchard grass and meadow hay are excellent alternatives. Alfalfa hay is ONLY for babies under 6 months, pregnant/nursing does, or underweight rabbits—it’s too rich in protein and calcium for healthy adults and can cause kidney/bladder stones. Mix varieties for interest but timothy should be the foundation.

Best Hay for Rabbits: Complete Comparison

Hay is the MOST IMPORTANT part of your rabbit’s diet (80-85% of what they eat). Choosing the right type matters for dental health, digestion, and preventing health issues.

Hay Type Comparison

🌾 Timothy Hay (Best for Adults)

Best For: Adult rabbits (6+ months), senior rabbits

✅ Pros:

  • ✅ High fiber (32-34%)
  • ✅ Low protein (8-10%)
  • ✅ Low calcium (0.4-0.6%)
  • ✅ Excellent for dental wear
  • ✅ Prevents obesity
  • ✅ Reduces bladder stone risk
  • ✅ Most veterinarian-recommended

Cuts Available:

  • 1st cutting: Coarse, high fiber, less leafy
  • 2nd cutting: Medium texture, most popular
  • 3rd cutting: Soft, leafy, picky eaters love it

🌾 Orchard Grass (Excellent Alternative)

Best For: Adult rabbits, variety, picky eaters

✅ Pros:

  • ✅ Similar nutrition to timothy
  • ✅ Sweeter taste—picky eaters often prefer
  • ✅ Softer texture
  • ✅ Good for variety
  • ✅ Less dusty than some timothy

Comparison to Timothy:

  • Slightly higher protein (10-12% vs 8-10%)
  • Similar fiber content
  • Safe for daily feeding
  • Can mix 50/50 with timothy

🌾 Alfalfa Hay (ONLY for Special Cases)

Best For: Baby rabbits (under 6 months), pregnant/nursing does, underweight rabbits recovering

⚠️ High in Calories/Calcium:

  • ⚠️ High protein (14-18%)
  • ⚠️ HIGH calcium (1.2-1.5%)
  • ⚠️ Can cause obesity in adults
  • ⚠️ Increases bladder stone risk
  • ⚠️ Too rich for regular adult feeding

❌ Do NOT Feed Alfalfa to Healthy Adult Rabbits!

The excess calcium can lead to bladder sludge and stones. Reserve alfalfa for babies and special medical situations only.

🌾 Other Hay Varieties:

  • Oat hay: Safe for variety, slightly higher in protein
  • Meadow hay: Mix of grasses, good variety
  • Botanical hay: Timothy with added herbs, good for enrichment

How to Choose Quality Hay

Signs of Good Quality Hay:

  • ✅ Fresh, sweet smell (not musty)
  • ✅ Green color (not yellow/brown)
  • ✅ Dry and crisp (not damp)
  • ✅ Minimal dust
  • ✅ Long strands (better for dental health)
  • ✅ No mold or odd smells

❌ Reject Hay That:

  • ❌ Smells musty or moldy
  • ❌ Looks brown or yellow (old/oxidized)
  • ❌ Feels damp or has moisture
  • ❌ Has visible mold spots
  • ❌ Is excessively dusty

How Much Hay to Feed

Daily Amount:

  • UNLIMITED – Hay should always be available
  • Guideline: Pile size of rabbit’s body per day
  • Refill: Multiple times daily to keep fresh
  • Placement: In hay rack near litter box

For complete feeding guidelines, check our Complete Nutrition Guide, Daily Diet Plan, and Food Calculator.

Solutions for Picky Hay Eaters

If Your Rabbit Won’t Eat Hay:

  1. Try different types – Orchard, oat, meadow, botanical
  2. Try different cuts – 1st, 2nd, or 3rd cutting
  3. Try different brands – Quality varies
  4. Reduce pellets – They’ll eat hay when hungry
  5. Make hay fun – Stuff in toys, paper bags, tubes
  6. Offer in multiple locations – Variety of access points
  7. Keep fresh – Replace daily, don’t let get stale

Bottom Line

The Verdict: Timothy hay wins for adult rabbits. Orchard grass is an excellent alternative. NEVER feed alfalfa to healthy adults. Mix varieties for interest. Hay is 80-85% of diet—never skimp! For complete rabbit care, visit Nutrition Guide, Habitat Setup, and Daily Feeding Plan.