Yes, rabbits can safely be fed oaten hay in unlimited quantities. It is a high-fiber food source, promoting healthy digestion and preventing gastrointestinal issues. The fibrous nature of oaten hay aids in wearing down rabbits' teeth and provides essential nutrients necessary for a balanced diet, supporting overall rabbit health. Ensure the hay is of good quality, free from mold or dust, and properly stored to maintain its nutritional value.
Incorporating oaten hay into a rabbit's diet can contribute to their well-being and vitality.
Rabbits can be fussy eaters, so make sure your oaten hay is of high quality, fresh and not dusty or moldy as this will reduce the palatability to your bun and can make them sick.
Rabbits can safely be fed oaten hay in unlimited quantities. The RSPCA recommends that hay "should be the main source of fibre in a rabbit or guinea pig's diet as it helps to regulate the gut flora and prevents dental disease as well". Overall, they diet should consist of at least 80% hay with the remainder made up of leafy greens and some treats.
What about Timothy hay?
Timothy hay is widely grown in America and is readily available in most pet stores in the USA. Unfortunately it does not grow as well in Australia due to our drier climate and different soils. Consequently most of the Timothy in Australia is imported, of poor quality, stale (as its been packaged so long) and extremely expensive.
Many sites that recommend Timothy are USA based and do not have any experience with oaten hay as it typically is not grown in America. Do not feel pressured to buy Timothy just because they say so.
Fresh, Australian grown oaten hay is perfect for your bunny.
The best hay for your rabbit is the one that they will eat the most of! There is no sense buying hay they don't eat!
Central Victoria's rabbit hay boxs are always contain fresh, clean and green oaten hay that even the fussiest eaters will love.
How much hay can my rabbit eat?
Your rabbit can have an unlimited amount of hay. It should form the basis of their diet (not pellets or vegetables) and is critical for their health.
While it is easy to say that 80% of the diet should be hay, 15% vegetables and greens, and 5% pellets, what does this actually look like?
| Rabbit weight (kgs) | Hay | Pellets (cups) | Greens (cups) | Vegetables (tablespoon) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Unlimited | 1/8 | 1 | 1 |
| 2 | Unlimited | 1/8 | 2 | 2 |
| 3 | Unlimited | 1/4 | 3 | 3 |
| 4 | Unlimited | 1/2 | 4 | 4 |
| 5 | Unlimited | 1/2 | 5 | 5 |
| 6 | Unlimited | 3/4 | 6 | 6 |
| 7 | Unlimited | 3/4 | 7 | 7 |