Hay for Rabbits
Quality hay is one of the most important things you need to provide your rabbit everyday.
Rabbits' teeth grow constantly throughout their life, and hay is important for keeping bunnies' front incisors and back molars worn down. Hay also helps rabbits digest their food and keeps their digestive system healthy.
There are a number of ways to offer hay to your rabbits, as well as the different varieties that you can and can't feed, let's look at the options below!
Ways to Offer Hay
Rabbits spend 70% of their day eating hay! So it's essential to ensure your buns have access to fresh hay at all times.
We recommend offering hay in a variety of ways to provide enrichment, encourage natural behaviours, and prevent fights over a single source.
Whatever method you use to supply it, make sure you top it up daily and remove any old hay within a few days.
Hay Bags & Racks: Include a hay bag or rack in your rabbit's eating area to keep hay off the ground, away from rabbit droppings, soiled bedding, and moisture. This ensures a constant supply of clean, fresh hay for your rabbits.
Shop our Hay Bags and Racks here.
Hay Piles: Small piles of hay in your rabbit's cage are also encouraged. Hay supplied this way will need replacing more often than hay in a bag or rack, but it offers fantastic enrichment, a safe resting spot, and a fun area for rabbits to burrow and express their natural behaviours.
⚠️ AVOID THESE HAY HOLDERS!⚠️
It’s important to know not all hay holders are created equal.
The majority of designs on the market (usually found in general pet stores or large online retailers) are actually dangerous for rabbits — with gaps or wire spacing that allow heads or legs to get stuck.
Ensure you purchase hay holders that are designed specifically with rabbits' safety, health and wellbeing in mind.
Ozzy Pets Hay Sack – Hanging Hay Feeder for Guinea Pigs & Rabbits
🌾 Types of Hay
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Below is a range of different hays you'll find in pet stores and produce shops. Each hay has its benefits, but some should be fed more in moderation rather than daily due to calcium, protein and fat content.
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⭐ TOP PICKS ⭐
Timothy Hay
High in fibre, essential for digestion, and helps wear down teeth. A recommended variety in rabbit diets due to its high quality and excellent nutrition.
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Orchard
Soft texture, sweet aroma, and less dusty than other hays. A good alternative for rabbits sensitive to dust. Nutritionally balanced so another suitable option for daily feeding.
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✅ GREAT EVERYDAY OPTION
Rhodes Grassy Hay
Also known as 'Meadow' or 'Pasture' Hay. Another highly recommended option for feeding daily. High in fibre and low in calcium, with a soft texture and sweet smell. Excellent for maintaining dental health and digestion.
Can often be available in larger bales from produce suppliers which is great if you have a lot of mouths to feed! -
⚠️ FEED IN MODERATION
Oaten, Wheaten and Barley Hay
High in fibre with slightly higher fat and protein content. Ideal for variety and occasional feeding.
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🐷 SPECIAL USE ONLY
Alfalfa/Lucerne Hay
Rich in calcium and protein, suitable for young, growing rabbits or pregnant/nursing does.
⚠️ Not recommended for adult rabbits due to high calcium content, which can contribute to bladder stones and urinary issues. -
🚫 AVOID
Straw
Very low nutritional value and a big 'eye poke' factor!
VIDEO
Our Guide To Hay
An overview of some of the types of hay available in Australia.
STORAGE
How To Store Hay Correctly
Storing hay properly is essential to maintain its freshness and nutritional value for rabbits. Here’s where and how you should store it:
✔️ Cool, Dry Place: Store hay in a cool, dry area to prevent moisture buildup, which can cause mould growth. Avoid areas with high humidity, such as basements or near bathrooms.
✔️ Well-Ventilated Area: Ensure the storage area has good airflow to keep the hay fresh and prevent it from becoming musty.
✔️ Off the Ground: Keep hay elevated off the ground on a pallet or shelf to avoid direct contact with damp floors and to maintain proper ventilation.
✔️ Away from Direct Sunlight: Store hay away from direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can degrade its nutritional value and cause it to lose colour and flavour.
✔️ In Breathable Containers: Use breathable containers, such as burlap sacks, lidded cardboard boxes or hay bags, to allow air circulation while protecting the hay from dust and pests. We have great lidded storage boxes that are perfect for hay storage!
Proper storage helps maintain the quality of the hay, ensuring it remains fresh, nutritious, and palatable for rabbits.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Choosing Hay
Here’s a list of qualities to look for in good quality hay for rabbits:
✔️ Colour: Pale gold to green, indicating freshness and high nutritional content. Any sign of brown or bright yellow is not suitable.
✔️ Appearance: Long, intact strands, with minimal dust, broken pieces, foreign objects and weeds.
✔️ Smell: Fresh, sweet, and grassy aroma, free from musty or mouldy odours.
✔️ Weight: Should not be too light (indicates it's dry) or too heavy (indicates it's too moist and may be mouldy).
✔️ Texture: Good hay will be flexible, easy to touch and should not be difficult to handle. It should be free of pokey, sticky strands that could cause eye pokes or injury.
These qualities ensure the hay is nutritious, appealing, and safe for rabbits to eat.
Our Top Hay Picks
Improving the lives of guinea pigs and rabbits, one WHEEK at a time!
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