Your pet will get the appropriate amount of fiber and protein from this brand of hay. Timothy and orchard are both very good hays, and I wouldn't fret about picking one over the other. Beardless wheat hay has on average … On the sixth day, God created the Quarter Horse. Price – $13.97. Lv 6. I currently feed timothy hay, but I noticed that orchard grass has a lower calcium content than timothy. Timothy hay also measures at the low end of the normal range for starch, measuring between 1.5 percent and 4 percent. While many veterinarians recommend Timothy Hay as the best type of hay, Orchard Grass is a good substitute if you or your rabbit have issues with Timothy Hay. Timothy Hay is a splash harder than Orchard Grass. If hay analysis isn’t an option, you might have to play the odds. Timothy Hay is easier to get and provides the optimal balance of nutritions ranging from fiber, protein, and calcium for guinea pigs. I used timothy for about 6 years and then I started using orchard and I’m just curious how much of a difference they might make. They require an unlimited amount of either hay as a staple of their diet. When oat seeds are planted, they first grow as a grass. Horses evolved as a grazing animal, which means that they are meant to nibble on small amounts of food over the course of an entire day, and most of this food should be in the form of roughage, or hay. Free-choice feeding means that the hay is constantly available and the animals can balance their own diet, without increased risk of weight gain or digestion issues. Timothy, Orchard, Alfalfa, Fescue. Like any other preserved forage, the quality of orchardgrass hay marketed by farmers depends on multiple factors, primary of which are cultivation and harvesting techniques. The timothy hay seems so much “stiffer” or “thicker” than the orchard which seemed nice and soft. Timothy Hay and Orchard Hay is an excellent choice for guinea pigs. In some states it is considered to be an invasive species, as it is not a native north American grass. Ive had my horse for one year.. prev owner always fed orchard and I feed this 3 x a day. Timothy Hay is easier to get and provides the optimal balance of nutritions ranging from fiber, protein, and calcium for guinea pigs. 1 decade ago. Timothy is common in northern areas, whereas brome, orchardgrass, and Bermuda grass are more common in the south. 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. 103-124 = either a very nice grass hay or an alfalfa mix - the kind of hay you want to buy This western quality timothy hay comes with a complement of great touch with a … The most significant difference in the … For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. If hay analysis isn’t an option when feeding your horse, you might have to play the odds. I lived on the OH/PA border the first 50 years of my life and have had my own horses since I was 12. Timothy hay typically has long green grass stems with tail-like flowers. Timothy Hay vs Orchard Hay | Which One Should I Choose. Absolutely Orchard Grass only is absolutely okay – it is a grass hay just like the Timothy hay so it’s perfectly fine. When it looks like grass, it can be cut … Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest news and offers. Orchard grass reaches the late boot to early heading stage in early to mid-May. If your animal doesn’t care for Timothy hay, you might try Orchard Grass or Bermuda Grass as an alternative. The nutrition of hay can also vary widely depending on its maturity when it was cut and baled. But, I'm wondering about hay. Coastal hay is a grass hay that is very common in Texas and other states along the gulf coast. If, for some reason, your little fuzzy refuses to eat Timothy, you could try orchard or oat hay. Wheat Hay. JavaScript is disabled. Orchard is grown natively and is what we feed to pregnant mares since our normal hay is fescue. These include your rabbits plus guinea pigs. Type – Oat. Even more important than choosing the right brand of pellets to feed your rabbit’s, is the vitality of knowing the true value of providing them with hay. Timothy reaches the fully headed to early bloom stage in early to mid-June. Orchard is grown natively and is what we feed to pregnant mares since our normal hay is fescue. Timothy and orchard are both very good hays, and I wouldn't fret about picking one over the other. Orchard grass hay. An overall brownish tinge could mean the hay was baled too wet and went through a caramelizing stage. With so many selections, you’re sure to find one your rabbit loves. This warm-season grass measures at the low end of the normal range for ethanol soluble carbohydrates, measuring between 4.7 percent and 10.9 percent. Should I be feeding orchard grass? Cutting – Unknown. I believe this is what causes the allergic reactions to timothy, that and the fact that timothy tends to be stiffer and breaks into tiny dust-like pieces that can be more easily inhaled. A similar alternative to Timothy Hay would be Orchard Grass. Hay is basically a grass that is cut green, then dried and baled. Orchard Grass is a highly palatable grass with a high nutrient content. The nutritional value of orchard hay doesn't fall much behind of timothy hay, boasting high fiber content, and having a slightly lower protein content. Oat hay isn’t technically grass hay, but it’s still packed with nutrition and benefits rabbits’ chompers. Timothy hay is considered a medium sugar hay. Orchard hay is an excellent alternative for guinea parents who have allergy to timothy hay. It is a grass hay that is a good main diet for any rabbit of any age. Warm-season hays are typically not as attractive as the cool-season types, as they are often more golden in color. ... Grass: Most commonly timothy, orchard, Kentucky bluegrass, bromegrass, and tall fescue. In our area, you don't find native Timothy so we only fed it when we had to truck hay in from further north in drought years. Additionally, it is a good source of vitamin A and D without an overload in protein, and it has a better balance between calcium and phosphorus. Teff, a new type of grass hay, is touted to be an ideal choice for many horses (see sidebar … Amount – 15 ounces. 0 0. charm. Orchard grass hay has a slightly sweeter smell and a finer texture than Timothy. Probably a question I should have looked into a while back but I randomly thought of it now. One of the most vital parts of a rabbit’s diet is hay. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Timothy hay is the most recommended and common rabbit hay out there. All Rights Reserved. Neither does Bermudagrass hay or Teff hay. Cereal hays should be light green in color; a yellow, straw … Hay hay and more hay. Why is timothy the grass hay that is most commonly … Timothy Hay. In theory, this preserves the freshness and moisture in each individual package. – 0.7 – 1.0 Calcium – 0.34% Phosphorus – 0.23% Also, it has a 3rd cutting timothy hay with super soft along with oat hay and orchard hay. the two Oxbow hay may well be sturdy for you guinea pig! Grown in the same field under the same conditions there isn't a lot of difference between the two grasses nutrition wise. If you need fresh, … As we come into spring here's what I have and why I have leftovers. Good quality forage or "Hay" is not just a weed you let grow it takes a lot of work to make good feed. In our area, you don't find native Timothy so we only fed it when we had to truck hay in from further north in drought years. Cool season grasses, however, tend to accumulate starches, sugars and fructans (a type of carbohydrate digestible in the large intestine of the horse although not by the enzymatic means of the small intestine) than do warm season grasses. In practice, ... Grass hay: includes sweet grass hay, orchard grass hay, and timothy hay. What kind to buy? The higher calorie content of Orchard Grass is a result of higher fiber digestibility compared to Timothy Grass. It can be supplemented with grass from your garden, but if you do that, … However timothy has a shallow root system and will be damaged much more than the root system of late maturing orchardgrass. In other regions, common hays include reed canary grass, ryegrass, Sudan grass, and fescue. Orchard grass matures much earlier in the growing season than timothy. Orchard Grass Horse Hay Alfalfa + Orchard or Timothy - posted in Alfalfa/Hay: Ive always heard that the best horse hay is about a 50/50 mixture of alfalfa and grass, but which grass is best, timothy or orchard grass? Oats can be grown for hay or oats and straw. 75-86 = gelding chewing hay during the winter - can eat all they want and not founder - not for performance horses 87-102 = nicer hay, general medium quality hay - will keep an animal in decent condition by itself with no grain if not working. Usually timothy hay has seed heads, while orchard grass has little or none. Legume hays, like Alfalfa , have a higher protein content than grass hays, and should be feed to active, working, lactating, young or convalescing animals that have higher nutritional needs. The high nutrient intake delivered by Orchard Grass hay translates into potentially less grain the horse would nee… The high fiber content found in timothy hay helps maintain normal digestive health. Timothy hay has on average 32%-34% fibre, 8%-11% protein, and 0.4%-0.6% calcium. 11/14/2007 at 12:03 PM Orchard, brome and timothy hay have no grain, per se. Typically, orchard grass is lower in protein than timothy, but it is a favorite amongst horses and owners. Hay also has regional variations. It’s an excellent source of fiber, so a fab preventative for GI stasis. I am planning on overseeding with grass once the alfalfa … This timothy hay from Higgins is sold in an unusual form: wrapped up in small individual bales. Best overall: Small Pet Select 2nd Cutting “Perfect Blend” Timothy Hay Pet Food. The high fiber content helps with digestive health while the coarseness of this type of hay helps to wear down guinea pigs' teeth. you ought to even combination it up for them! When grown and cured under a watchful eye, orchardgrass hay deserves those superlatives. A forum community dedicated to horse owners and enthusiasts. Understanding the real differences between Alfalfa Hay, Timothy Hay, Orchard Hay, and various other blends make the difference in your bunny having a healthy, long life. Timothy is a good all-around hay for the general dietary needs of bunnies. Orchard Grass is the emerging super star of the horse hay world. Orchard hay is another common type of grass hay – it usually has a thicker blade than timothy hay but can be softer in texture. Orchard Grass is softer and has longer products. Alfalfa, clover, and peanut are legume hays, while timothy, oat, bermuda, and orchard are examples of grass hays. Come join the discussion about breeding, grooming, reviews, health, behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more! Copyright © 2018, 2019, 2020 GuineaDad. When it comes to the timothy hay with 2nd cutting, it’s the type that most people love to give their pets. Should I be mixing 50/50? Bermuda is a less expensive alternative to Orchard or Timothy hay for those horses that are fed grain or supplements. Alfalfa cut at full bloom drops to 15.5 percent crude protein, compared to 6.9 percent for late bloom timothy and 7.6 percent for late bloom orchard grass. A Good Horseman Doesn't Have To Tell Anyone; The Horse Already Knows. I hear orchard has more sugar than timothy but timothy is harder to digest? Arm yourself with solid information to win the forage end game. If you’re sitting there thinking that you’ve seen oat straw before, you may have! Orchard Grass Hay Analysis (average) Crude Protein – 7.0% – 11.0% Crude Fiber – 30% NSC – average of 12% (range 7% – 18%) DE, Mcal/Lb. Timothy Hay and Orchard Hay is an excellent choice for guinea pigs.. Timothy Hay is usually readily available and provides optimal balance of nutritions from fiber, protein, and calcium for guinea pigs. I planted my field in straight alfalfa last fall and the field is looking good so far this year. Oat hay is tough and yellowish in color with more hollow stalks than the traditional 2 nd cut Timothy. Orchard hay is an excellent alternative for guinea parents who have allergy to timothy hay. If you'd like to learn more about different types of hay for guinea pigs you can read more about it here! any thoughts? Your climate in NH may favor timothy grown for hay. It has balanced levels of protein, fat, and fiber and will help keep your bunny happy and healthy. I've been researching more about calcium since Odette had her stone. Timothy hay is usually lighter in color than orchardgrass unless the orchardgrass is harvested at a very mature stage. Id like to hear the pros and cons for each choice. Orchard Grass Hay Orchard grass hay is not as nutrient sensitive to the time of cutting as the other grass hays, and is also less expensive than timothy hay. In fact, orchardgrass has been cultivated for pasture and hay since colonial times and has been an important forage in horse … Weather conditions are usually much more favorable for haymaking in June than in May so there is less likelihood of timothy hay being musty or moldy than orchard grass. Don’t be surprised if oat hay leads to lighter-colored poops that look like sawdust when crumbled. No artificial colors,… Meaning my first set of Keeper Horses lived on Timothy hay and Timothy/mix pastures. I'd also encourage you to consider endophyte free tall or meadow fescue. Some owners feed timothy.. which can be more expensive than orchard.. This is the closest to what your rabbit would eat in the wild. With less protein than alfalfa, 8% - 10%, it is an excellent source of roughage for all types of livestock. Thus legume hay, cut early, is more apt to meet the protein and mineral needs of young growing, pregnant or lactating animals than will many of the grass hays. purchase one bag of Western Timothy Hay and while that runs out, purchase them a bag of Orchard Grass! Orchard hay tends to be softer, sweeter, and also has an aromatic fragrance which will entice even the pickiest of eaters. I've cut out romaine lettuce from their diet, and switched them to KMS. Contains 100% oat grass hay. The high fiber content found in timothy hay helps maintain normal digestive health. The only thing with Orchard Grass though is that it may be more seasonal than Timothy Hay but I’m not entirely sure of that, hopefully some other forum members will know if that is the case. Fuzzy refuses to eat timothy, but it ’ s still packed nutrition! The pros and cons for each choice preserves the freshness and moisture in each individual.. 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