Oxbow Timothy Hay

Oxbow Timothy Hay is a great choice for feeding rabbits, as it's a high-quality, natural source of fiber that's essential for their digestive health. Here's a guide to feeding Oxbow Timothy Hay to your rabbit:

1. Why Timothy Hay is Important

• High Fiber Content: Timothy hay is rich in fiber, which helps prevent gastrointestinal issues and ensures healthy digestion.
• Dental Health: The chewing process helps keep your rabbit’s teeth naturally trimmed, preventing overgrowth.
• Essential for a Balanced Diet: Hay should make up around 70-80% of your rabbit's daily diet.

2. How Much to Feed

• Unlimited Hay: Rabbits should have unlimited access to hay throughout the day. This means providing fresh, clean hay in a large hay rack or a pile where they can nibble whenever they like.
• Daily Portion: Aim for around 1-2 cups of fresh hay per 2-3 lbs of rabbit body weight, but this can vary based on your rabbit's age, health, and activity level.

3. Types of Oxbow Timothy Hay

• Oxbow Adult Timothy Hay: Ideal for adult rabbits (over 6 months old). This hay is high in fiber and lower in protein and calcium.
• Oxbow Young Rabbit Timothy Hay: Formulated for younger rabbits (under 6 months). It's softer and sweeter, easier for them to eat.
• Oxbow Oat Hay: A fun addition for variety. It's softer and sweeter than Timothy hay and provides extra stimulation for your rabbit.
• Oxbow Hay Blends: Blends like Oxbow’s "Timothy Hay and Orchard Grass" can give your rabbit variety and new textures to explore.

4. How to Store

• Keep it Dry: Store your hay in a cool, dry place. Humidity can cause mold to grow, so keep the hay away from areas like bathrooms or damp basements.
• Seal it Well: Store hay in airtight containers or sealed bags to prevent it from drying out or getting contaminated by dust and dirt.

5. Presentation of Hay

• Hay Rack: A hay rack is a great way to offer hay. It keeps the hay off the floor and reduces waste. Ensure that your rabbit can access hay easily without having to dig through too much.
• Hay Piles: You can also make hay piles in your rabbit's habitat, which encourages them to forage and move around.
• Enrichment: Scatter small amounts of hay around their enclosure or hide it in toys to encourage natural foraging behavior.

6. How to Introduce Timothy Hay

• If your rabbit is new to hay, start by mixing small amounts with their regular food and gradually increase the hay portion until it becomes the main component of their diet.
• Make sure to observe your rabbit’s preference, as some might prefer different textures or types of hay.

7. Supplementing with Other Foods

• Along with Oxbow Timothy Hay, offer fresh, leafy greens like romaine lettuce, parsley, and cilantro. Avoid giving them too many sugary fruits or starchy vegetables.
• A small amount of rabbit pellets is okay, but pellets should not be the main food source.

8. Monitor Your Rabbit’s Health

• Check for Weight Loss: Ensure your rabbit is maintaining a healthy weight. Lack of hay intake can lead to obesity or digestive issues.
• Digestive Health: Monitor for signs of poor digestion, such as diarrhea or not pooping, which can indicate a need for more fiber.
• Dental Health: Keep an eye on their teeth for signs of overgrowth, as hay helps keep teeth in check.

By following these guidelines, you'll ensure your rabbit enjoys a healthy, balanced diet and gets all the benefits of Oxbow Timothy Hay!

Disclaimer: Please seek expert advice before caring for any pets and dont depend on the information on this page that may have errors or be dated.