Illustrative imageFescue
- What it is
- A grass hay, high in fibre and low in calcium
- Who it's for
- Adults of all species
- How often
- Daily, unlimited
- Texture
- Long, firm strands
Hay guide
Hay guide
Everything you need to know to get hay right for rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and degus.
Three hays, three uses
Illustrative image
Illustrative imageSudan grass
Natural tooth wear
Its thick, fibrous stalk makes them chew more, and that chewing supports the natural wear of their teeth, which in rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and degus grow throughout their lives.
- What it is
- A summer grass with thick stems and very high fibre
- Who it's for
- Adults of all species
- How often
- Daily, ideally alternated with fescue
- Texture
- Coarse and crunchy
Illustrative imageAlfalfa
- What it is
- A legume, rich in protein and calcium
- Who it's for
- Youngsters, pregnant and nursing females (other cases only if your vet advises)
- How often
- Daily while growing; for adults, treats only
- Texture
- Lots of leaf, fine stems
Who it's for
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Illustrative imageHay is 80% of their diet
Rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and degus are long-fibre herbivores. They need hay around the clock, with no limit: it keeps their digestion moving and wears down teeth that never stop growing. The rule of thumb: every day, a pile of hay as big as they are.
How to spot good hay
Green in colour (not yellow or brown), a sweet smell of the countryside (never musty), long, unbroken strands and very little dust at the bottom. If they sniff it and dive straight in, it's good. They never lie.
Why freshness matters
As the months go by, hay loses colour, aroma and vitamins, and turns brittle and dusty. That's why we put the batch and mowing date on every box and pack each order on the spot.
How to switch hay
Mix the new hay in with their usual one for a few days, upping the proportion bit by bit. Even the fussiest eaters tend to give in sooner than you'd think.
How to store it at home
Dry, cool, dark and well aired. The cardboard box is perfect. Sealed plastic traps moisture and spoils the hay.
This guide is for general information and is no substitute for advice from your exotics vet.
Calculator
How much hay does your crew need?
Who lives at your place?
- Dwarf rabbit0
- Medium or large rabbit1
- Guinea pig0
- Chinchilla0
- Degu0
Your crew gets through roughly
5.18 kg of hay a month
We recommend
1 box of 10 kg every 8 weeks
Build my box: 10 kg every 8 weeks · €37.95 per deliveryI'd rather buy just onceFree delivery included · Fixed price · Mainland Spain
A rough estimate with a 15% margin. Hay should always be available, with no limit.