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Alfalfa vs. Timothy hay

moonturtle

Warren Scout
Hi. Another question about Bojangles's health. I think she has a bit of diarrhea again. It is not as sticky or smelly as the last time, but she has been producing log shaped poos. I called her vet and they said to watch her and only give her pellets, hay, and carrots tonight. My question is: could it be her hay that is doing this to her? I feed her alfalfa hay because it is pretty much the only thing the stores here sell. I was doing some research online and was reading that alfalfa hay is not good for rabbits and that I should feed her timothy hay. Is this true? Should I run to her vet tonight anyhow to buy some timothy hay and throw out her alfalfa? Please answer. Thanks.
 
From everything I've read about rabbits (I'm a new rabbit owner but have done a lot of research) alfalfa hay is a big no no except for young buns due to the high calcium content. I don't even feed it to my buns though who are only 16 weeks old. They get a mix between Timothy (which is lovely, long strands and lots of seed heads), meadow and ryegrass. I would recommend stopping feeding the alfalfa if you have any way of getting your hands on some Timothy.
 
Hey,

Timothy is in my opinion the best hay for rabbits as its very stalky which is best for teeth and low in calcium. Tests have shown that it is the best for overall health of the rabbit, including tummy and teeth.
It can be fed ad lib and my bunnies cannot get enough of it!
Alfalfa hay is good for baby and nursing bunnies. I always keep a bag in the house for my dental buns and as an occasional treat.

Too much Alfalfa hay can cause upset tummy's due to the high level of calcium, too much calcium in rabbits will also cause their wee to be very thick and smelly. as well as making them fat.

Hope this helps.
 
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