Is timothy hay better than orchard grass for guinea pigs?
Timothy Hay is easier to get and provides the optimal balance of nutrition ranging from fiber, protein, and calcium for guinea pigs. The high fiber content found in timothy hay helps maintain normal digestive health. Orchard Hay is an excellent alternative for guinea parents who have allergy to timothy hay.
Why is timothy hay the best for guinea pigs?
The best variety of hay for adult guinea pigs is Timothy. This type of grass is high in the fiber that guinea pigs need and low in protein and calcium. That’s important because piggies absorb about 50% of the calcium they ingest. (In comparison, humans only absorb 30%.)
Is first or second cut timothy hay better for guinea pigs?
Premium 2nd cut Timothy hay is preferred by most grass eating small animals (Bunnies, Rabbits, Chinchillas, Gerbils, Hamsters, Mice, Rats, and Tortoises). 2nd cutting is called “second” because it is the hay that is harvested after the 1st cutting.
What is the difference between orchard grass and timothy hay for guinea pigs?
Orchard hay has a sweeter smell and a softer texture than typical timothy hay. The nutritional value of orchard hay is on par with timothy, only being slightly lower in protein, but has an exceptional fiber conte.
Which is better timothy hay or orchard grass?
Answer. If timothy and orchardgrass hay are cut at the same maturity and harvested under the same conditions, there is little difference in their nutrient content, although orchardgrass has a tendency to be a little higher in protein.
Is orchard grass hay good for guinea pigs?
Your guinea pig should have unlimited access to high quality grass hay. Your guinea pig should eat a pile of hay as big as his body every day. Avoid alfalfa hay unless directed by your veterinarian. Instead choose timothy, orchard grass or oat hay.
What is the best type of hay to feed guinea pigs?
For your guinea pigs to be happy and healthy, you should: Ensure that your guinea pigs have a constant supply of grass and/or grass hay (such as Timothy, Oaten, Barley, or grassy hay). Guinea pigs should not be fed Lucerne (alfalfa) or Clover hay, as these are too high in protein and calcium.
What is the difference between timothy hay and orchard hay?
Oxbow Western Timothy Hay is high in fibre, low in protein and calcium and is a good, basic grass hay with high quality nutrition. Orchard grass is another cool-season grass; it grows in tufts and is more drought tolerant than Timothy hay. Orchard grass has a soft texture and is high in fibre and low in protein.
Is orchard grass safe for guinea pigs?
Well-known Member. Orchard Grass is perfectly fine to be their only hay. Guinea pigs need any long stranded grass hay that could be Timothy, Orchard Grass, Brome, Bluegrass, and there are a few more. I actually prefer Orchard, it’s what my girls have.
Is timothy or orchard grass better?
Compared to Timothy Grass, Orchard Grass grows better in moderate drought conditions and provides a solid three hay cuttings per year. With three cuttings instead of two cuttings, Orchard Grass produces consistent soft texture hay that horses readily consume with minimal or no waste.
Can baby guinea pigs have orchard grass hay?
Orchard Grass Hay for Guinea Pigs
Orchard hay is suitable for guinea pigs young and old and can be free fed on a daily basis. Like timothy, orchard hay is nutrient-rich and low in calcium. Orchard grass is often softer than timothy, so it may encourage fussy guinea pigs to eat more hay.
Is Oxbow orchard grass hay good for guinea pigs?
Aromatic, high-fiber Orchard Grass Hay from Oxbow is hand-selected to deliver a sweet smell and soft texture that rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and other small pets love. The fragrant aroma of Orchard Grass Hay will stimulate your pet’s appetite and encourage consumption.
Do guinea pigs like orchard grass hay?
Orchard hay for guinea pigs is an excellent choice for guinea pig parents that are allergic to timothy hay or are wanting to provide some variety into their diet. This is another favorite amongst guinea pigs and for good reasons. Orchard hay has a sweeter smell and a softer texture than typical timothy h.
What is the difference between timothy and orchard grass?
Orchard Grass is higher in protein (10-12%), higher in calorie content and contains the same balanced levels of calcium and phosphorus as Timothy grass. The higher calorie content of Orchard Grass is a result of higher fiber digestibility compared to Timothy Grass.
Can pigs eat orchard grass hay?
Hay is a low calorie diet for pigs. They can eat it and derive a lot of food value from it but they don’t get as many calories out of it as ruminants do.
What is better for rabbits timothy or orchard grass?
Timothy hay is much courser and harder than Orchard hay, therefore better for your rabbit’s dental health. Timothy hay will keep your rabbit’s teeth worn more evenly when compared to Timothy hay. This is the main reason that most veterinarians recommend Timothy hay over Orchard hay.
Which hay is better for horses timothy or orchard grass?
Orchardgrass and timothy hay are both excellent, but orchard grass gets the nod as the best of the two. It has a higher protein and calorie content and balanced calcium and phosphorus levels.
Is orchard grass OK for rabbits?
Popular types of rabbit hay include meadow, Timothy, and orchard grass and any of these hays will provide a suitable foundation for your rabbit’s diet, but don’t feel like you have to limited to one type. Mix it Up!
Is timothy or orchard grass lower in sugar?
Unfortunately, there is no grass that is consistently low in sugar. Most cool-season grasses, like orchardgrass and fescue, can have high sugar content. Timothy and crested wheatgrass tend to be medium in sugar content, as are most warm season (native) grasses.
Which type of hay is best for rabbits?
Alfalfa Hay: The Ideal Treat for Grown Rabbits
That’s because Alfalfa (a legume) is more nutritionally dense than grass hay varieties, with higher percentages of calcium and protei.
Can bunnies eat alfalfa orchard grass?
Alfalfa Hay is rich in calcium and protein and has good fibre content. For baby bunnies, this is great news. Alfalfa Hay will provide a growing bunny with everything they need to grow fast and strong. After just 4-7 months most rabbits can move to an adult diet.