How Much? When/How much food to feed?

[C1407]

Yeah I went and asked, they said they get it from other places and don't always get it from the same place each time, so they don't know exactly what's in it. I was told that a lot of rabbit owners buy it, and rabbits aren't that different from guinea pigs

So I'll look around for some horse stables and see if any of them have some timothy or orchard. Would I prefer Orchard over Timothy to get less calcium if I get a choice?

 

[bpatters]

Timothy is most often recommended, but orchard will do, as will bluegrass or brome. In all actuality, the calcium (and any other) content of any hay will vary with the soil it's grown in, how much rain it's had, etc.

 

[C1407]

Ok! Called a nearby horse farm that seemed to have mostly good reviews (figured that would be a plus). $10 for a 40-45lb bale, I'm pretty sure she said it was fresh cut, mostly timothy (around 75% she estimated), a little alfalfa and some clover? Is the clover okay, or if it's not that much is it okay?

EDIT: She also said they might be able to cut it in half or something if I need to, so that would be good too.

 

[bpatters]

Sounds like a deal! Depending on how much alfalfa is in it (get them to show you want it looks like -- you may be able to pull it out), you may want to reduce the number of alfalfa pellets they get, and watch their calcium intake.

If you begin to see white powdery or gritty urine, then we may have to rethink things.

 

[kathlaaron]

Wow. Billie really helped you out in a BIG WAY. You are so awesome bpatters, your knowledge and expertise is --well, I just eat it all up !!!