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Author Topic: Alfalfa versus Timothy Hay  (Read 3947 times)

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chinchilla.nikki

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Alfalfa versus Timothy Hay
« on: June 02, 2008, 05:46:35 PM »
 ::shrug:: OK--can anyone tell me what the main difference is on the  subject of alfalfa hay & timothy hay?  I know that some pellets are alfalfa based & some are timothy based.  So, if the one I am using is alfalfa based (and it is), should I give them timothy?  Does it matter?  Should I just give them the one they eat the best?  I know timothy hay is quite a bit more expensive..but if they should have it, I will get it for them.  Any knowledge on this subject will be appreciated.
                       JANE
« Last Edit: June 03, 2008, 06:28:05 AM by chinchilla.nikki »
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Abby W.

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Re: Alphalfa versus Timothy Hay
« Reply #1 on: June 02, 2008, 09:44:12 PM »
From what I understand, alfalfa is higher in calcium and protein, but too much can sometimes cause problems for chins.

The general recommendation is to look at what the pellet is made from, and feed the other hay loose.
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sashasmommy

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Re: Alfalfa versus Timothy Hay
« Reply #2 on: June 04, 2008, 09:19:03 PM »
I agree with Abby...I feed mine alfalfa based pellets and have loose timothy hay in their hay feeder...also I put a cube of each in (although none of my chins really like the cubes...but they do nibble a bit on them sometimes).
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KCchins

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Re: Alfalfa versus Timothy Hay
« Reply #3 on: June 08, 2008, 02:37:56 PM »
Alfalfa is actually a legume not a grass like timothy hay.   Alfalfa has a higher protien content.  Most chin feed is alfalfa based so most folks feed timothy hay. 
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