Sep 03, 2016 alfalfa s cholesterollowering ability is its best studied health benefit to date. Compared to timothy hay, alfalfa hay is higher in calcium, which is needed for growing rabbits. This means they cant eat large amounts of alfalfa hay due to its contents. Alfalfa pellets and alfalfa hay is for bunnies less than 6 months previous, as long as your bunny is below that which it really is then he may have all he needs. Fresh fruits and veggies should also be included in your rabbits diet. My rabbits loved alfalfa hay even more than their grass hay, but its pretty high in protein and in calcium. Wellpreserved alfalfa hay should be the foundation of a feeding program for young growing horses, recreational horses, and active horses. Rabbit husbandry making a hay rack and feeding alfalfa hay. Annual blood workups are highly recommended for geriatric rabbits.
If you feed alfalfa, youll need to pair it with rolled oats to get that increased phosphorus to balance out the calcium. Oct 02, 2006 alfalfa pellets and alfalfa hay is for bunnies less than 6 months previous, as long as your bunny is below that which it really is then he may have all he needs. Rabbits can eat alfalfa hay but they are better off with a diet that mainly consists of grass hay such as timothy hay. Apr 09, 2007 alfalfa hay is fine, as that is what most rabbit pellets are made from. Weaned rabbits just starting to eat solid food and cecotrophs night feces can be given alfalfa hay and pellets. Timothy hay is the most popular rabbit feeding hay, and probably the easiest for you to obtain, but oat hay, wheat hay and bahia hay are all also okay. Hay for rabbits alfalfa hay vs timothy hay purina animal. Basic rabbit care handout and infographic lafebervet.
Offer young rabbits unlimited amounts of calcium and proteinrich alfalfa hay and alfalfabased pellets. Alfalfa hay offers the same longstrand high fiber that timothy hay offers, but with higher levels of energy, protein, and calcium. Nutritionally speaking, however, they are very different. Dec 05, 2008 okay,well alfalfa isnt good for rabbits over the age of 6 months,due to it being very high in calcium. The only hay that should be limited or even completely eliminated from the diet of an adult rabbit is alfalfa hay. Hayalfalfa dried in the field to a dry matter content of 80 percent or greater less than 15 to 20 percent moisture. For baby bunnies, alfalfa provides the high caloric content necessary for their development. As a result, alfalfa should only be fed to growing young bunnies under the age of 7 months. At approximately 7 months, hay should be switched to timothy or oat hay and fewer pellets should be given. Do not purchase more than 6 weeks worth of feed at a time, as it will become spoiled.
The benifits of feeding and growing hay for rabbits rise. Alfalfa hay, on the other hand, should only be given to adult rabbits in very limited quantities, if at all, because it is high in protein, calcium and calories. When harvesting hay, the first cutting is a coarser hay that includes a lot of. If the farm was in europe, then yes, the domesticated rabbits could easily interbreed with the wild types. Yes they can eat alfalfa pellets but only in specialized situations. Alfalfa and clover hays are tastier to your rabbit, but contain a great deal of calcium and protein, neither of which your rabbits need in large amounts. I would recommend timothy hay, though, for some variety in his diet. As are the two animals that bred readily to make mules. One basic alternative feed is based on feeding alfalfa hay and rolled oats. Value of wheat straw and alfalfa hay as fiber source. The fiber content ranges from a low of 10% to 20% to a high of 20% to. When alfalfa or timothy is used in a complete rabbit feed, the nutrients of the hay source used is taken into account and mixed with other appropriate ingredients to obtain a final diet formula that meets the needs of rabbits or guinea pigs.
A small amount will aid a rabbits digestion, but dont give them too much. Pellets choose a plain pellet that has at least 1820% fiber and no more than 16% protein. Also, provide him with a separate litter box but dont use cat litter in it and he should litter box train himself. Quantitative relationships between administered cholesterol and alfalfa required to prevent hypercholesterolaemia in rabbits. Why alfafa hay isnt good for adult rabbits the thing with alfalfa hay is that it is high in calcium and protein which rabbits can eat but not in large amounts. Make sure the hay is not moldy or musty and is of a high quality. But in adult rabbits, their calcium status should be constant, which means they dont need as much calcium as provided by alfalfa hay. Adult rabbits mainly need a high quality fiber in their diet and therefore timothy hay is a better option than alfalfa hay. General rabbit care diet san diego house rabbit society. A horse fed alfalfa as part of its daily ration will meet its need for protein while receiving essential vitamins and minerals. This basic rabbit care handout and infographic are part of lafebervets basic rabbit care teaching module. Rabbit husbandry making a hay rack and feeding alfalfa hay to your rabbits we are making a hay rack today for the young mini rex litter to help keep them from wasting hay. Avoid alfalfa, as it is too high in calcium for rabbits.
Also, rabbits can have up to 2 cups per 6 pounds of body weight of fresh rabbit approved veggies a day at adulthood. Jul 06, 2019 so yes rabbits can eat alfalfa hay, however they cant have much of it compared to other types of hay such as meadow hay and timothy hay. Alfalfa is an important component of an active horses diet. Very young rabbits, between 7 to 12 weeks, should not be offered vegetables and never fruit as devastating gastrointestinal problems can arise. Different types of hay commonly offered to pet herbivores. Alfalfa hay is a legume hay where as timothy hay and meadow hay are grass hay s. Once rabbits reach seven months of age, gradually switch them over to timothy, orchard grass, andor oat hay. Alfalfa hay is fine, as that is what most rabbit pellets are made from. Commercially milled alfalfa meal based pellets are the predominant feed for rabbits. If you are feeding alfalfa its a good idea to feed it mixed with grass hay. Rabbit diarrhea treatment, prevention and causes of bunny. Over feeding calcium in adult rabbits can lead to bladder stones.
Rabbit hole hay ultra premium, hand packed alfalfa for your small pet rabbit, chinchilla, or guin. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Alfalfa hay is higher in calcium and protein than grass hay, which is ideal for growing rabbits but too rich for adults. I believe his good health is attributed to his diet. Here is a fun and challenging, swinging hay ring made from the finest meadow hay and alfalfa. Carrot tops as a partial substitute for alfalfa hay on diets for growing. Lots of alfalfa hay, little pellets, and fruitsveggies as treats.
Additionally, the calcium in alfalfa hay can predispose rabbits to urolithiasis when fed in large amounts. Kaytee alfalfa cubes are tightly compressed blocks of nutritious suncured alfalfa that are a great fiber source for small animals or natural treat that compliments any kaytee food. A rabbit should be fed twice a day, in the morning and evening. Basic rabbit care 2016b indian prairie animal hospital. Good quality timothy hay is free fed at all ages and alfalfa hay pellets are ok for young guys but need to be monitored in adulthood. Substitution of sugarbeet pulp for alfalfa hay in diets for growing rabbits. It provides information on purchasing, storing, and feeding alfalfa hay. Feeding rabbits is a hot topic among enthusiasts, but the one thing most rabbitrearing folks agree on is that the loppers should have adlib access to hay. Safely fed to horses for thousands of years, alfalfas high protein, fiber, vitamin and mineral content all contribute to its high feed value. Pellets should make up less of a rabbits diet as he or she grows older, and hay should be available 24 hours a day.
When alfalfa or timothy is used in a complete rabbit feed, the nutrients of the hay source. Alfalfa is a type of legume hay which is often fed to small animals. The naturals alfalfa ring is also great for growing rabbit kits or for poorly bunnies needing a protein boost. Quantitative relationships between administered cholesterol and alfalfa required to prevent hypercholesterolaemia in. Humans also eat alfalfa sprouts in salads and sandwiches. Alfalfa hay for rabbits alfalfa hay is rich in calcium and protein and can be offered to an adult rabbit in moderation. My rabbits are transitioning to it now and do not seem to be put off or getting tummy upset. A small amount of proper and good quality commercial rabbit mix or pellets.
Rabbit husbandry making a hay rack and feeding alfalfa. Alfalfas cholesterollowering ability is its best studied health benefit to date. The particle sizes of the alfalfa meal in the four treatment diets were 2,500, 1,000, 100 and 10. Providing hay for your rabbits also helps keep rabbits occupied and prevents boredom because rabbits enjoy chewing. May 07, 2019 alfalfa is a type of legume hay which is often fed to small animals. This stops your rabbits getting so hooked on alfalfa that its difficult to make the transition to grass hay when they reach adulthood. Which growingsemi adult rabbits need a fair amount of,but adult bunnies dont need it in such amounts a alfalfa has in it.
However, because alfalfa is the main ingredient in rabbit pellets, which are also fortified with other minerals and vitamins to provide your pet with a balanced diet, generally adding extra alfalfa to your pets diet is not. Rabbit feeding and nutrition tractor supply company. Some say timothy hay is best, others say plain old mixedgrass hay is the only way to go, and still others say to mix in a little alfalfa or other leguminous hay to boot. Very high in calcium, can cause sludge in bunnys urine. From which viable mules have existed although very rare.
Alfalfa pellets are fine for younger rabbits but timothy. Good quality timothy hay is free fed at all ages and alfalfa haypellets are ok for young guys but need to be monitored in adulthood. A healthy adult rabbit should not eat alfalfa hay, which is very high in protein, calcium, and calories and may lead to health problems. Alfalfa is great for a baby or growing bunny up to 1 year old and begin decreasing amount at 7 months while introducing grass hays, but an adult bunny usually needs a. Its no surprise that lots of alfalfa hay is grown in wisconsin, and on most area farms this is what youll find for sale. Apart from the lucernealfalfa grass hay di chotomy, other reasons for choosing a particu lar hay type, to the authors knowledge, have not been reported in the scientific literature. Alfalfa contains higher concentrations of protein and calcium compared to timothy hay table 1. Jul 20, 2012 timothy hay is the most popular rabbit feeding hay, and probably the easiest for you to obtain, but oat hay, wheat hay and bahia hay are all also okay. Rabbit diarrhea treatment, prevention and causes of. Silagealfalfa swathed, chopped and stored in a silo at 30 to 40 percent dry matter. Can rabbits eat alfalfa pellets online rabbit care.
Brooks dvm, phd, in ferrets, rabbits, and rodents second edition, 2004. Numerous studies in monkeys, rabbits and rats have shown that it can lower blood. Oct 03, 2016 rabbit husbandry making a hay rack and feeding alfalfa hay to your rabbits we are making a hay rack today for the young mini rex litter to help keep them from wasting hay. Uses, side effects, interactions, dosage, and warning. As the rabbit matures, gradually reduce the quantity of pellets offered and transition to grass. Timothybased pellets are the best choice for an adult rabbit. Watch for gummy droppings, weight gain, sludge, and cecal pellets not being eaten. All grass hays, such as timothy, orchard, oat, brome and johnson grass, are suitable for mature herbivores, because they contain protein and calcium levels appropriate to adult.
Apart from the lucerne alfalfa grass hay di chotomy, other reasons for choosing a particu lar hay type, to the authors knowledge, have not been reported in the scientific literature. Diarrhea rabbits, cats, dogs, livestock, people regardless of the species, a bout of diarrhea can range from temporary nuisance to lifethreatening situation. For people with allergies, look for the second cutting of hay. Otherwise, alfalfa should only be given occasionally as a treat. Alfalfa is high in protein and can lead to fat rabbits.
Alfalfa can be given to underweight rabbits, only if calcium levels are normal. Alfalfa hay is the traditional source of fiber in rabbits diets in algeria. In poultry diets, dehydrated alfalfa and alfalfa leaf concentrates are used for pigmenting eggs and meat, because of their high content in carotenoids, which are efficient for colouring egg yolk and body lipids. Pellets should be fresh, and should be relatively high in fiber 18% minimum fiber. Please take this brief quiz to test your knowledge. Pdf value of wheat straw and alfalfa hay as fiber source for. Alfalfa hay and timothy hay are both forage sources commonly used in rabbit and guinea pig diets. Okay,well alfalfa isnt good for rabbits over the age of 6 months,due to it being very high in calcium. The key to preventing diarrhea in baby rabbits is twofold.
When you feed a lower quantity of pellets, you must replace the nutritional value without the calories, which is done by increasing the vegetables. Alfalfa hay is a widely used protein and fiber source for meat rabbits. Provides hours of good fun for rabbits and is packed full of nutritious vitamins and minerals too. Effects of particle size of ground alfalfa hay on caecal. Offer a variety of hay to your rabbit to promote optimum health. Alfalfa hay is high in protein and minerals like calcium, which can be too rich for your bunny to eat all the time, causing health problems like obesity and bladder stones. The fiber content ranges from a low of 10% to 20% to a high of 20% to 22%, with the average content being 15% to 16%. Pdf substitution of sugarbeet pulp for alfalfa hay in. Alfalfa hay is the most widely used fibre source in rabbit diets. The bulk of a rabbits diet must consist of quality rabbit pellets, fresh timothy hay alfalfa hay is often too rich for them, water and fresh vegetables. Lots of alfalfa hay, lots of pellets, and veggies as treats. The daily diet of an adult pet rabbit should consist of. This publication describes the horses digestive system and nutritional needs and how to select alfalfa hay.
Grass hay should make up the majority of your pets daily diet. The high fibre content in grass is essential and the single most important thing in maintaining optimum intestinal and dental health in all rabbits. Offer young rabbits unlimited amounts of calcium and proteinrich alfalfa hay and alfalfa based pellets. So yes rabbits can eat alfalfa hay, however they cant have much of it compared to other types of hay such as meadow hay and timothy hay. Alfalfa hay has a higher content of calcium and protein while timothy hay is higher in fiber content. For the older bunny, constant alfalfa hay consumption can lead to gummy droppings, weight gain, sludge, and cecal pellets not being eaten. Since hay is a natural product, each bag will look and feel. Alfalfa hay is distinguished by stalks, usually brittle and flat green to brown leaves. Haylagealfalfa swathed, chopped and stored in an oxygenlimiting structure at 40 to 60 percent dry matter.
There are many types of hay available on the market, however, rabbits should only be consuming either alfalfa a legume hay when young and grass hays when older. A hay canister is a good way to provide unlimited access to hay without a mess. My 10 weeks dutch can chew a little bit each time, but unless she has nothing. Adult rabbits mainly need a high quality fiber in their diet and therefore timothy hay is a. Alfalfa hay inclusion decreases caecal ph and favors caecal fermentation garcia et al.
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