The first cutting in any cut will have thicker stems, perhaps have flowers (usually called tassel), and is the highest in fiber of any cut. The second cutting is softer, greener, has a higher protein but lower fiber than first cutting. Flowers and stalks are usually not present, just leaves.

Is first or second cut timothy hay better?

Second cut hay is a good hay for healthy adult rabbits. It usually has more leaves on the stems which is more attractive to your rabbit. This hay is greener than 1st cut and not as stemy. The protein and fat content is a little higher than 1st cut and the fiber level is a bit lower.

Which cutting of timothy hay is best?

Premium 2nd cut Timothy hay is preferred by most grass eating small animals (Bunnies, Rabbits, Chinchillas, Gerbils, Hamsters, Mice, Rats, and Tortoises). 2nd cutting is called “second” because it is the hay that is harvested after the 1st cutting.

Is the first cut of hay the best?

First cutting of hay is the one harvested first in the year from the field before it blooms. This cutting is good for horses. There is a lot of fiber, so it is nutritious, plus it is easy to eat because the stems are flexible and thin.

What's the difference between first second and third cut timothy hay?

To begin with, 1st cutting is the first hay cut from that field for the year. It tends to be more coarse and have more grasses in it. 2nd cutting is usually greener in color and has a sweeter smell. And lastly, 3rd cutting is very thick and rich.

Whats the Difference Between 1st 2nd and 3rd Cut Hay? Does It Matter?

What Timothy Hay is best for rabbits?

The 10 Best Hay for Rabbits

• Oxbow Western Timothy Rabbit Hay – Best Overall. ...
• Kaytee Natural Timothy Rabbit Hay – Best Value. ...
• Kaytee Wafer-Cut Timothy Rabbit-Hay. ...
• Vitakraft Timothy Grass Hay for Rabbits. ...
• ZuPreem Nature's Promise Western Timothy Hay. ...
• Sunburst Break-A-Bale Timothy Rabbit Hay. ...
• Standlee Orchard Grass Hay.

What is the best hay for horses to eat?

Best Hay Types for Horses

• 1.) Alfalfa. Alfalfa hay is high-protein legume hay from the 'pea' family. ...
• 2.) Clover. Clover hay is the other legume hay suitable for horses but not as popular with horse owners. ...
• 3.) Timothy Grass. ...
• 4.) Orchardgrass. ...
• 5.) Fescue. ...
• 6.) Reed Canary Grass. ...
• 7.) Bluegrass. ...
• 8.) Bromegrass.

What animals eat first cut hay?

Donkeys and sheep are generally fed first cut, they are hardy and adaptable, they will eat almost anything green, second cut hay is a luxury for them, sort of like Thanksgiving Dinner. If you have a horse or pony like Chloe, you have to limit the amount of green grass, and especially, second cut hay.

Can horses eat hay that has been rained on?

Rained-on hay can be a suitable forage, especially for horses prone to laminitis. Forage quality tends to be retained if: The rain occurs soon after cutting when the forage has had little time to dry.

When should you first cut hay?

The first cutting in the spring should be when grass has greened up and reached 12 – 16 inches tall. This should clean up all the old growth of winter weeds and such. Then each subsequent cutting is at 3.5 to 5 week intervals.

Is 1st cut timothy hay good for rabbits?

First or Second Cut? First Cut Timothy Hay is tougher and contains lots of long stems and seed heads. This is ideal for most rabbits but can be a bit hard for guinea pigs and smaller animals. Second Cut Timothy Hay is softer than first cut, darker green, and is a mix of stems and leaf with fewer seeds.

Do rabbits like first cut hay?

It is our opinion that third cutting hay does not contain sufficient fiber content to be the only hay in the diet of most rabbits. It can, however, be used in conjunction with a higher fiber, good quality, relatively immature 1st or 2nd cutting hay, and creates greater variety and interest in the chewing experience.

Should horses have hay all time?

Conclusion. Horses don't have to eat all the time, but having constant access to hay helps keep their digestive system working correctly. Allowing your horse to graze on pasture grass is safe and keeps them healthy. A healthy pasture provides all the nutrition horses need.

What cut of hay is best for cows?

Producers are encouraged to harvest first cutting hay based on the following guidelines:

• Alfalfa: bud to 1/10 bloom.
• Red clover: 1/4 to 1/2 bloom.
• Timothy: late boot.
• Tall fescue: boot stage.
• Orchardgrass: blooms emerged.

Which hay is best for rabbits?

Timothy Hay is by far the most popular and probably the best kind you can give your rabbit as their basic hay source. Timothy hay is a good all- around choice for unlimited offering to your rabbit. Timothy hay is a mix of leaves and stems from Timothy grass, which is a perennial bunch grass.

Is Timothy hay or alfalfa better for horses?

Alfalfa hay is typically higher in protein and essential nutrients than timothy hay, making Alfalfa a better option for more active animals that need a high protein diet. Alfalfa also has more calories per pound than timothy, so it's generally the preferred choice of sport horse owners.

What will happen if a horse eats moldy hay?

Moldy hay can kill a horse. It's a cause of colic that can be fatal, and some types of mold are toxic to horses. And inhaled mold spores enter horses' respiratory systems when they eat, causing heaves or other chronic respiratory diseases. Feeding moldy hay to horses is dangerous.

How long is horse hay good for?

If the hay was of good-quality when harvested and stored in a dry place with sufficient airflow, hay is likely suitable for consumption for two to three years. Keep in mind that hay, even premium forage, loses much of its vitamin content in the first few months of storage.

How do you keep wet hay from molding?

Use net wrap or plastic twine spaced no more than 4 in. apart on round bales to maintain bale shape and provide a smooth surface that encourages water runoff.” Anderson recommends storing hay on elevated, well-drained spots that will prevent the bales from soaking up moisture from wet soil or standing water.

Does hay grow back every year?

Planting and growing

Some fields are always used to grow hay, and don't require re-planting every year. In other cases, hay is a part of a crop rotation, where farmers plant different crops on the same field in different years.

When should you cut timothy hay?

To help establish new stands, Undersander says the grass should be cut at 70 to 80 days after planting with one or two subsequent cuttings during the initial growing season. “Fall-planted timothy will produce seed the following calendar year.”

What does good horse hay look like?

Hay Color

Good quality hay should be bright green in color with little fading. A bleached, yellow, brown or black color may indicate aged hay, mold or poor storage conditions. Storage condition and age have a significant effect on vitamin content of hays.

What kind of hay is bad for horses?

Clover and grass hay (different types of clovers like red, white, etc.) Prone to fungus. Protein and fiber-rich. However, they are prone to fungus, and red clover can cause excess salivation in horses.

What hay can horses not eat?

Oat hay has thick tougher stalks that some horses will not eat. Oat hay tends to be higher in nitrates and also high in sugar (NSC), so this hay is not an option for insulin resistant horses. Here's a comparison chart so you can see the differences between alfalfa hay, timothy (grass) hay and oat hay.

What is the most expensive hay for horses?

Hay Type

Timothy Hay is by far the most expensive option, and not just for horses. Many other animals eat Timothy Hay, such as rabbits and guinea pigs. Because of the quality and quantity of animals that need Timothy Hay, its price is much more expensive than other hay varieties.