Question about different hay choices.

[FuzzieLover87]

First, I will say, thank you in advance for any and all help.

Right now, I feed Oxbow Orchard Grass Hay.  I cannot feed any kind of Timothy because of allergies.  I was wondering if chinchillas like a variety or if they usually only want one kind of grass?  I was thinking about ordering some KMS Hayloft Blue Grass to maybe mix with the Orchard or to give every other day, etc.  I was wondering if this would be a good idea.  I have 7 chins so they go through a lot of grass, and I am trying to give them a little variety in the hay... if they would like a variety anyways. LOL. 

If they do not like variety, do you think one kind of hay is better than the other. Bluegrass over Orchard?

Sorry if this is confusing. 

[Squirrel_Butt]

I'm sure there are slight differences but I am not sure exactly what they are. I use the hay cubes as I'm a bit nervous about them poking their eyes on a stray thing of hay.

[FuzzieLover87]

Well, we use Alfalfa cubes.  As for the loose hay.  We haven't had a problem with them and we have 7 chins

[jmdebb]

yes they like a variety, some more than otheres

broome, bermuda, oat, oat, wheat and barley, meadow, botanical, orchard... hmmm. probably left something out..
j

[chinclub]

Keep in mind not all hay is created equal.  Some have more nutrients than others.  For example alfalfa (which is actually not a hay but a legume) is very rich.  Too much can cause kidney issues. That is why I tell people who feed an alfalfa based feed not to feed alfalfa hay.  Bermuda hay is what is grown where I live.  It has a much less nutrient content than timothy and is mainly just a filler. (fills up the animal's belly)  We tried it with out herd a few years back.  It didn't take long for their weights to begin to drop. It was a bad idea!  My suggestion is to do some research on the hays you have in your area.  If you have a farm nearby that sells it go talk with them.  They can give you a great education.  If you are buying on line or through a pet store do some research online on the nutritional values of the hays you are considering.

[judyg]

Regarding the hay: I buy Oxbow but recently bought Kaytee western timothy hay as I have come across what I think is a problem. I noticed the Oxbow timothy hay is rather hard like straw? Isn't it suppose to be more green??? I offered both the hays to my chin figuring he would eat the one he liked most but to my surprise he ate them both....My ultimiate question is what is hay suppose to look like? I have seen dark green with a lot of dark brown in it (appeared rotten to me) and then I see yellow....lime green.....dark green and they are all western timothy hay.

[jmdebb]

i don't know what color it actually should be, but i have heard some companies color it..