Is Timothy hay high in calcium?

B seems to have more renal problems when on more Timothy hay than meadow?Is it higher in calcium?Read somewhere that Timothy hay & spring greens have same calcium level-high,is this true?

willowholly said:

B seems to have more renal problems when on more Timothy hay than meadow?Is it higher in calcium?Read somewhere that Timothy hay & spring greens have same calcium level-high,is this true?

Click to expand...

http://www.galensgarden.co.uk/herbivores/nutrition/forage.php
http://www.rabbit.org/journal/3-3/fiber.html there is a comparative table at the bottom of this link. Although there is no value for the Timothy - this could be due to seasonal change or that no one has measured it yet, I expect it will be 0. something as the other non-alfalfa/clover hays listed.

It is alfalfa hay that is high in calcium, not Timothy. But different hays will vary and these in themselves will vary throughout the seasons and depend on the growing season. It is likely that 1st cut Timothy will be stalkier and lower in nutrition than the leafier 2nd cut, which in the UK isn't always possible, as Timothy hay grows very slowly hence the expense. Bear in mind that rabbits are designed to function with very low nutritional fibre....this will make them eat more and spend much more time grazing.

I would just go with your instinct and stick to whatever works for your bunny! :wave:

As a general rule the hay made from species of grass (timothy is a type of grass) are a healthier choice than hay made from members of the pea family (eg alfalfa, clover). Grass hays are generally lower in calcuim and protein. It is particularly important that protein levels are not high if you have a renal bun, to avoid overworking the kidneys

lilbun said:

It is particularly important that protein levels are not high if you have a renal bun, to avoid overworking the kidneys

Click to expand...

Agree with this