Rabbit hay is the foundation of a healthy diet—it should make up 80% of what your rabbit eats. Choosing the right type, quantity, and storage method directly impacts your pet's digestion, dental health, and long-term vet bills. This guide walks you through the main hay varieties, what to expect to pay, and how to keep it fresh.
Types of Rabbit Hay
The best hay for rabbits is grass-based, not legume-based. Timothy hay is the gold standard for adult rabbits, offering the right fiber content and a balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. Most rabbits thrive on it for years without digestive issues.
Orchard grass is a solid alternative if Timothy hay is unavailable or your rabbit gets bored. It's slightly softer and sweeter than Timothy, making it appealing to pickier eaters. Some owners mix the two to add variety.
Alfalfa hay is protein and calcium-rich, but it's designed for growing kits (young rabbits under 6–7 months) or pregnant does. Feeding alfalfa to adult rabbits regularly can lead to obesity and urinary issues due to excess calcium. Reserve it for occasional treats or transition periods only.
Meadow hay blends offer natural variety and are closer to what wild rabbits forage. They work as a supplementary option, but they're harder to source consistently and often cost more. Use them alongside a primary hay type rather than as the sole diet.
Price Ranges & Where to Buy
Timothy hay typically costs $8–$18 per 10-pound bag when bought from specialized small animal supply retailers. Big-box pet stores usually charge $12–$20 for the same amount. Online suppliers like Oxbow, Small Pet Select, and local feed stores often provide better value, especially if you buy in bulk (25–50 pound boxes).
Bulk purchases—buying a 50-pound case—drop the per-pound cost to roughly $0.25–$0.40 per pound, compared to $0.60–$0.90 for bagged versions. If you have two or more rabbits or plan ahead, bulk ordering saves money and storage space.
Orchard grass and meadow blends range from $10–$22 for comparable weights. Alfalfa is cheapest at $6–$12 per bag, but as mentioned, it's not a primary feed for adult rabbits.
Check local feed mills or agricultural supply stores—they often sell high-quality timothy hay for $5–$8 per bale if you buy several. Visit in person to inspect the hay (smell, color, dust level) before committing.
What to Look For When Buying
Good hay indicators:
- Vibrant green color (not brown or yellowed)
- Strong, pleasant grass smell
- Long stems (sign of minimal processing)
- Minimal dust when you open the bag
- Harvest date visible (ideally within the last 6–12 months)
- No mold, musty odors, or visible insects
Smell your hay before feeding. Musty or ammonia-like odors mean mold is present—don't use it, as it can trigger respiratory or digestive problems in rabbits.
If a bag feels damp or compacted, assume it wasn't stored correctly and look elsewhere. Hay stored in high humidity or direct sunlight deteriorates quickly.
Storage Best Practices
Store hay in a cool, dry location—ideally 50–70°F with humidity below 50%. Basements, closets, or spare bedrooms work better than garages (temperature swings) or kitchens (humidity and heat from cooking).
Keep hay in its original bag if it's breathable, or transfer it to airtight plastic bins or large plastic storage containers. Label containers with the hay type and purchase date so you rotate stock (use older hay first).
Avoid direct sunlight, which degrades nutrients and can bleach the color. Don't store hay next to heating vents, radiators, or damp areas like laundry rooms.
For long-term storage (3+ months), consider a vacuum-sealed bag or large plastic totes with desiccant packs to prevent moisture absorption.
Most hay stays fresh for 6–12 months if stored properly. Rotation matters—don't stockpile a year's supply if you can refresh every 3–4 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I save money by buying hay from a local farm directly? Yes, but inspect it carefully and confirm it wasn't treated with pesticides or moldy feed stored nearby. Ask the farmer about storage conditions and harvest date before buying in bulk.
Q: How much hay does one rabbit need per week? A typical adult rabbit eats 1–1.5 pounds of hay daily, so plan for 7–10 pounds weekly; adjust based on your rabbit's size and how much fresh food you provide.
Q: Is there a big quality difference between Timothy hay brands? Yes—premium brands like Small Pet Select and Oxbow have stricter quality control and fresher dates, while budget options may contain more dust and stems; it's worth investing in higher-grade hay to prevent digestive and dental issues.
Use Mercoly to compare pricing and reviews of trusted small animal supply retailers in your area, then stock up on the right hay for your rabbit's needs.