What Is Timothy Hay?

Timothy Hay is almost ubiquitous for most people who keep small furries as pets.  Or rather, it should be; but there are still too many pet owners who do not recognise its importance.  That fact becomes rather obvious when you consider some of the shocking statistics available, and the number of small furries that do not get any hay in their diet at all.

Considering the importance of Timothy Hay and the fibre it provides, perhaps it is time to get back to basics.  After all, the more informed pet owners become, the more likely their pets are to live happier, longer lives.  And that is something that every pet – and every owner – truly wants.

Timothy Hay: The Basics

The grass itself is, unsurprisingly, known as Timothy Grass.  It is indigenous to Europe, although it is not naturally found in the Mediterranean region.  For a number of years, this grass was just a grass.  It was not until it found its way over to New England in North America, and was used to feed cattle that Europeans began to take notice. 

Of course, this is because there were plenty of other grasses for livestock to consume.  Still, when an American farmer named Timothy Hanson discovered its properties, he began to promote the grass (named for himself) throughout North America, and in England, as well.  He did suggest it for cattle, though obviously Timothy Hay has benefits for many animals.

In England, Timothy Grass can be seen growing throughout the countryside, and bales of Timothy Hay are just as common a sight.  One primary reason for this is that it grows remarkably easily.  It can take in nearly any sort of soil, and the drier and poorer that soil is, the more this grass thrives.  It is also naturally drought resistant, so it tends to hold its nutrients better than other grasses once harvested.  The grass is known to exceed 75 cm in height, and it boasts flowers with a pretty pink stamen. 

More importantly, Timothy Hay is filled with fibre.  It is bursting with the nutrients that small furries such as rabbits, chinchillas and guinea pigs need.  Knowing this, it is a little surprising that there are still pet owners who ignore the importance of Timothy Hay for their pets.

Timothy Hay should form the basis of any small fibrevores diet.  This includes chinchillas, guinea pigs and rabbits.  As one of the most popular pets in the UK, rabbit owners should especially take note of the need for Timothy Hay.  It is not a treat, but rather, a necessity.

Feeding Small Furries: What Every Owner Needs to Know

Feeding Timothy Hay to your pets is remarkably easy.  Essentially, you just need to tuck a pile of it into their cage every day, and allow them to munch to their heart’s content.  However, there are a few tips that will enhance fibrevore health.

Small furries need to eat a pile of hay that is at least as large as themselves – every single day.  They can eat more, of course, though they should never be offered less.  It is impossible for fibrevores to over eat Timothy Hay, so if it looks as if they may need more, feel free to offer it.

Before feeding your fibrevore Timothy Hay, you should always check that it is free from dust, and it retains a sweet, meadow-smelling fragrance.  Hay should be stored in sealed bags indoors, away from damp areas.  If hay becomes dry and brittle, it should not be offered to your pet. 

Do not worry about a few pieces of flowers or other plants mixed in with your Timothy Hay; this is something your small furries would encounter naturally in the wild.  Indeed, fresh herbs and leafy greens can and should, be added to your fibrevore’s meals.  These offer additional nutrients and a pleasant variety of flavour.  However, be wary about substituting the primary hays and grasses that you typically provide for your pets.  Their immune systems are rather delicate, and animals may experience discomfort when their primary food source changes. 

Also, do not forget that, along with Timothy Hay, small furries need plenty of fresh water.  Treats are also delightful additions, provided they are specially formulated for your pet.  In other words, do not feed your chinchilla treats that were designed for rabbits.  Although fibrevores have similar needs, they are not identical. 

The Extra Benefits of Timothy Hay

Not only does Timothy Hay provide small furries with the almost incredible amount of fibre that they need in their daily diet, it also has a few additional benefits. 

Take oral hygiene, for example.  Rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas all have teeth that continue to grow throughout their lifetime.  These can become dangerous for pets (and their owners) if not properly worn down.  Animals, such as rabbits, eat their hay by grinding it from side to side, wearing down their teeth in the process.  Hay is eaten differently than treats, which are chewed up and down, therefore sharpening long fibrevore teeth into a point.

But, more than oral hygiene, Timothy Hay is also just pure fun.  Small furries can spend hours with their piles of hay.  They will eat it, play with it, and move it about.  Truly, they cannot get enough of it, which is precisely why it should be ubiquitous to every fibrevore owner.  After all, Timothy Hay does not just provide the nutrients for life, but also some happiness to go with it.

For more information please visit the Burgess website - http://www.burgesspetcare.co.uk/