9 replies to this topic

[ajuniceuhamsters]

Hello!

Since I know quite a bit about hay (if I do say myself ;) ) I decided to write an article about it! (It's my first one soooo)

 

This will be all about hay for hamsters, the different types of hay and how it can be used for hamsters! Feel free to correct me, if they're something wrong, or if you want to add something!

 

------------------------------------------------

 

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF HAY

 

There are many different types of hay that are sold at pet stores. The most common types are as follows.

Orchard Grass Hay

This hay is commonly used in the hamster community. It is generally always soft, no matter the cut. It generally smells good, and is pliable.

Botanical Hay

Botanical hay is timothy hay with herbs mixed in. This is the most used in the hamster community due to the smell. It's usually on the softer side of all the hays.

Alfalfa Hay

Alfalfa hay is usually used for young animals. It is not common in the hamster community. The individual pieces of hay are thick, and stalk-ish. It has a quite strong smell.

Timothy Hay

This hay is often percieved as being poky, when it really depends on the cut. It's most commonly used for rabbits, guinea pigs and livestock rather than hamsters. It has a strong 'barn' smell.

Oat Hay

Oat hay can be most compareable to sprays. They have the oat pods within them due to being harvested before it's able to bloom, and your hamster can eat them. This can be used as sprays rather than layered with bedding.

Meadow Hay

Meadow hay is generally on the coarser side, and I haven't seen it being used for hamsters much. In smell, it's similar to botanical hay.

 

THE DIFFERENT CUTS OF HAY

Hay comes in 3 cuts usually.

1st cut is the first harvest, meaning that it is coarser, and pokier. First cut timothy hay should never be used for hamsters when layering with bedding as it can poke them.

2nd cut is the second harvest, and it is on the softer side. All 2nd cut hays are generally soft enough to use for your hamster.

3rd cut is the last harvest of hay. It's the softest hay that you can use for your hamsters.

If you get a hay from your farm, you should be able to tell the cut, as they will tell you.

If you buy it from the store, it will depend on the time of year. Earlier in the summer will generally be first cut, and as you go on the cut will go up. You can tell which cut it is by how coarse it is, if it is curly or looks stiff and the colour. 

I have heard people say that 'timothy hay is too poky' and that 'orchard hay is really soft', but these are not true. It really depends on the cut as orchard hay can easily be more poky than timothy hay if the orchard hay is 1st cut while the timothy is 2nd or 2rd. Timothy hay can be very soft but there are quite a few misconceptions.

 

WHAT HAY SHOULD I USE/IS BEST?

Any 1st cut orchard grass and oat hay is safe to use.

2nd cut timothy hay, botanical hay, orchard grass hay, meadow hay, oat grass is safe to use.

Any 3rd cut timothy, botanical hay, orchard grass, meadow and oat hay is safe.

There is no 'best hay' to use and completely depends on preference. 

 

HOW DO I USE HAY IN MY HAMSTER'S CAGE?

Unlike rabbits, chinchillas, degus and guinea pigs, hamsters do not need to eat hay as their main diet. The most common use of hay is to layer it with bedding to create a more stable substrate for burrowing. You can also mix it into the bedding. Some hamsters will use hay as nesting material, which is why you don't want to use poky hay.

Oat hay can be used as a spray in your hamster's cage. Place it as you would with sprays, and your hamster can eat the oats out of it!

 

WHERE CAN I BUY HAY?

Petsmart, petco, petland, pets at home and all other large chain pet shops usually have hay in stock. Check the small pet aisle. Oxbow is a great brand of hay with good quality control and packaging.

Look for a farm near you that sells hay. It's often much cheaper, and you can buy it in small quantites or large bales for a much cheaper prices.

Farms might also sell other hamster accessories!

Some shops on Etsy may sell hay as well, though most likely in smaller quantities with less variety than a farm.

 

Ok, that's it! If i said anything wrong, or you'd like to add anything just tell me!

 

june 1st- edited to add more detail about where you can get hay and the different cuts of hay

Edited by ajuniceuhamsters, 01 June 2021 - 10:32 PM.

[Tiny Ball Of Fuzz]

Great article! One question: With botanical hay, which herbs that are common in it are safe? Like, if some of the most common herbs in botanical hay are rosemary, basil, cilantro and thyme, (I don't know what they actually are, I'm just naming random herbs that may or may not be safe for hamsters), then which of those common ones are unsafe? (If there are any.) Thanks!

[ajuniceuhamsters]

Great article! One question: With botanical hay, which herbs that are common in it are safe? Like, if some of the most common herbs in botanical hay are rosemary, basil, cilantro and thyme, (I don't know what they actually are, I'm just naming random herbs that may or may not be safe for hamsters), then which of those common ones are unsafe? (If there are any.) Thanks!

The most common brand/type of botanical hay is the oxbow one. all the herbs in that one are safe.

rosehips, parsely, etc are safe to my knowledge.

 

i'm not sure which are unsafe. for sure onions/green onions/garlic. i think cilantro, ivy, aloe vera, and some ohers are unsafe, but don't quote me on that and best to ask someone else.

[Whitewhiskers]

Thank you for this article, this is super helpful!!!
 

[4 Hamsters]

Now I really wish I live in rural areas. I live in the suburbs so there's really no farmers near me.

[ajuniceuhamsters]

Now I really wish I live in rural areas. I live in the suburbs so there's really no farmers near me.

So do I!

You just have to look. For me, there's a farm about 1 hours away, and they ship to where I live. Look online, there might be some!

[♥TheHamHamGuru♥]

Hello!

Since I know quite a bit about hay (if I do say myself ;) ) I decided to write an article about it! (It's my first one soooo)

 

This will be all about hay for hamsters, the different types of hay and how it can be used for hamsters! Feel free to correct me, if they're something wrong, or if you want to add something!

 

------------------------------------------------

 

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF HAY

 

There are many different types of hay that are sold at pet stores. The most common types are as follows.

Orchard Grass Hay

This hay is commonly used in the hamster community. It is generally always soft, no matter the cut. It generally smells good, and is pliable.

Botanical Hay

Botanical hay is timothy hay with herbs mixed in. This is the most used in the hamster community due to the smell. It's usually on the softer side of all the hays.

Alfalfa Hay

Alfalfa hay is usually used for young animals. It is not common in the hamster community. The individual pieces of hay are thick, and stalk-ish. It has a quite strong smell.

Timothy Hay

This hay is often percieved as being poky, when it really depends on the cut. It's most commonly used for rabbits and livestock rather than hamsters. It has a strong 'barn' smell.

Oat Hay

Oat hay can be most compareable to sprays. They have the oat pods within them due to being harvested before it's able to bloom, and your hamster can eat them. This can be used as sprays rather than layered with bedding.

Meadow Hay

Meadow hay is generally on the coarser side, and I haven't seen it being used for hamster much.

 

THE DIFFERENT CUTS OF HAY

Hay comes in 3 cuts usually.

1st cut is the first harvest, meaning that it is coarser, and pokier. First cut timothy hay should never be used for hamsters when layering with bedding as it can poke them.

2nd cut is the second harvest, and it is on the softer side. 2nd cut hays are generally soft enough to use for your hamster.

3rd cut is th last harvest of hay. It's the softest hay that you can use for your hamsters.

If you get a hay from your farm, you should be able to tell the cut, as they will tell you.

If you buy it from the store, it will depend on the time of year. Earlier in the summer will generally be first cut, and as you go on the cut will go up. 

 

WHAT HAY SHOULD I USE/IS BEST?

Any 1st cut orchard grass and oat hay is safe to use.

2nd cut timothy hay, botanical hay, orchard grass hay, meadow hay, oat grass is safe to use.

Any 3rd cut timothy, botanical hay, orchard grass, meadow and oat hay is safe.

 

HOW DO I USE HAY IN MY HAMSTER'S CAGE?

Unlike rabbits, chinchillas, degus and guinea pigs, hamsters do not need to eat hay as their main diet. The most common use of hay is to layer it with bedding to create a more stable substrate for burrowing. You can also mix it into the bedding. Some hamsters will use hay as nesting material, which is why you don't want to use poky hay.

Oat hay can be used as a spray in your hamster's cage. Place it as you would with sprays, and your hamster can eat the oats out of it!

 

WHERE CAN I BUY HAY?

Petsmart, petco, petland and all other large chain pet shops usually have hay in stock. Check the small pet aisle.

Look for a farm near you that sells hay. It's often much cheaper, and you can buy it in small quantites or large bales for a much cheaper prices.

 

Ok, that's it! If i said anything wrong, or you'd like to add anything just tell me!

 

I have meadow hay for my hammy, but i regret buying it. it was super cheap for the amount but its pretty rough and when i try to layer the bedding it doesnt work as it goes all over the place. oxbow doesnt really sell in my country so i cant fing any good hay.

[willa]

great article, really well written and easy to understand! <3

[♥️fluffy♥️]

Hello!

Since I know quite a bit about hay (if I do say myself ;) ) I decided to write an article about it! (It's my first one soooo)

 

This will be all about hay for hamsters, the different types of hay and how it can be used for hamsters! Feel free to correct me, if they're something wrong, or if you want to add something!

 

------------------------------------------------

 

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF HAY

 

There are many different types of hay that are sold at pet stores. The most common types are as follows.

Orchard Grass Hay

This hay is commonly used in the hamster community. It is generally always soft, no matter the cut. It generally smells good, and is pliable.

Botanical Hay

Botanical hay is timothy hay with herbs mixed in. This is the most used in the hamster community due to the smell. It's usually on the softer side of all the hays.

Alfalfa Hay

Alfalfa hay is usually used for young animals. It is not common in the hamster community. The individual pieces of hay are thick, and stalk-ish. It has a quite strong smell.

Timothy Hay

This hay is often percieved as being poky, when it really depends on the cut. It's most commonly used for rabbits, guinea pigs and livestock rather than hamsters. It has a strong 'barn' smell.

Oat Hay

Oat hay can be most compareable to sprays. They have the oat pods within them due to being harvested before it's able to bloom, and your hamster can eat them. This can be used as sprays rather than layered with bedding.

Meadow Hay

Meadow hay is generally on the coarser side, and I haven't seen it being used for hamsters much. In smell, it's similar to botanical hay.

 

THE DIFFERENT CUTS OF HAY

Hay comes in 3 cuts usually.

1st cut is the first harvest, meaning that it is coarser, and pokier. First cut timothy hay should never be used for hamsters when layering with bedding as it can poke them.

2nd cut is the second harvest, and it is on the softer side. All 2nd cut hays are generally soft enough to use for your hamster.

3rd cut is the last harvest of hay. It's the softest hay that you can use for your hamsters.

If you get a hay from your farm, you should be able to tell the cut, as they will tell you.

If you buy it from the store, it will depend on the time of year. Earlier in the summer will generally be first cut, and as you go on the cut will go up. You can tell which cut it is by how coarse it is, if it is curly or looks stiff and the colour. 

I have heard people say that 'timothy hay is too poky' and that 'orchard hay is really soft', but these are not true. It really depends on the cut as orchard hay can easily be more poky than timothy hay if the orchard hay is 1st cut while the timothy is 2nd or 2rd. Timothy hay can be very soft but there are quite a few misconceptions.

 

WHAT HAY SHOULD I USE/IS BEST?

Any 1st cut orchard grass and oat hay is safe to use.

2nd cut timothy hay, botanical hay, orchard grass hay, meadow hay, oat grass is safe to use.

Any 3rd cut timothy, botanical hay, orchard grass, meadow and oat hay is safe.

There is no 'best hay' to use and completely depends on preference. 

 

HOW DO I USE HAY IN MY HAMSTER'S CAGE?

Unlike rabbits, chinchillas, degus and guinea pigs, hamsters do not need to eat hay as their main diet. The most common use of hay is to layer it with bedding to create a more stable substrate for burrowing. You can also mix it into the bedding. Some hamsters will use hay as nesting material, which is why you don't want to use poky hay.

Oat hay can be used as a spray in your hamster's cage. Place it as you would with sprays, and your hamster can eat the oats out of it!

 

WHERE CAN I BUY HAY?

Petsmart, petco, petland, pets at home and all other large chain pet shops usually have hay in stock. Check the small pet aisle. Oxbow is a great brand of hay with good quality control and packaging.

Look for a farm near you that sells hay. It's often much cheaper, and you can buy it in small quantites or large bales for a much cheaper prices.

Farms might also sell other hamster accessories!

Some shops on Etsy may sell hay as well, though most likely in smaller quantities with less variety than a farm.

 

Ok, that's it! If i said anything wrong, or you'd like to add anything just tell me!

 

june 1st- edited to add more detail about where you can get hay and the different cuts of hay

Thank you this is wonderful!

[Remy]

Spoiler

Hello!
Since I know quite a bit about hay (if I do say myself ;) ) I decided to write an article about it! (It's my first one soooo)
 
This will be all about hay for hamsters, the different types of hay and how it can be used for hamsters! Feel free to correct me, if they're something wrong, or if you want to add something!
 
------------------------------------------------
 
THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF HAY
 
There are many different types of hay that are sold at pet stores. The most common types are as follows.
Orchard Grass Hay
This hay is commonly used in the hamster community. It is generally always soft, no matter the cut. It generally smells good, and is pliable.
Botanical Hay
Botanical hay is timothy hay with herbs mixed in. This is the most used in the hamster community due to the smell. It's usually on the softer side of all the hays.
Alfalfa Hay
Alfalfa hay is usually used for young animals. It is not common in the hamster community. The individual pieces of hay are thick, and stalk-ish. It has a quite strong smell.
Timothy Hay
This hay is often percieved as being poky, when it really depends on the cut. It's most commonly used for rabbits, guinea pigs and livestock rather than hamsters. It has a strong 'barn' smell.
Oat Hay
Oat hay can be most compareable to sprays. They have the oat pods within them due to being harvested before it's able to bloom, and your hamster can eat them. This can be used as sprays rather than layered with bedding.
Meadow Hay
Meadow hay is generally on the coarser side, and I haven't seen it being used for hamsters much. In smell, it's similar to botanical hay.
 
THE DIFFERENT CUTS OF HAY
Hay comes in 3 cuts usually.
1st cut is the first harvest, meaning that it is coarser, and pokier. First cut timothy hay should never be used for hamsters when layering with bedding as it can poke them.
2nd cut is the second harvest, and it is on the softer side. All 2nd cut hays are generally soft enough to use for your hamster.
3rd cut is the last harvest of hay. It's the softest hay that you can use for your hamsters.
If you get a hay from your farm, you should be able to tell the cut, as they will tell you.
If you buy it from the store, it will depend on the time of year. Earlier in the summer will generally be first cut, and as you go on the cut will go up. You can tell which cut it is by how coarse it is, if it is curly or looks stiff and the colour. 
I have heard people say that 'timothy hay is too poky' and that 'orchard hay is really soft', but these are not true. It really depends on the cut as orchard hay can easily be more poky than timothy hay if the orchard hay is 1st cut while the timothy is 2nd or 2rd. Timothy hay can be very soft but there are quite a few misconceptions.
 
WHAT HAY SHOULD I USE/IS BEST?
Any 1st cut orchard grass and oat hay is safe to use.
2nd cut timothy hay, botanical hay, orchard grass hay, meadow hay, oat grass is safe to use.
Any 3rd cut timothy, botanical hay, orchard grass, meadow and oat hay is safe.
There is no 'best hay' to use and completely depends on preference. 
 
HOW DO I USE HAY IN MY HAMSTER'S CAGE?
Unlike rabbits, chinchillas, degus and guinea pigs, hamsters do not need to eat hay as their main diet. The most common use of hay is to layer it with bedding to create a more stable substrate for burrowing. You can also mix it into the bedding. Some hamsters will use hay as nesting material, which is why you don't want to use poky hay.
Oat hay can be used as a spray in your hamster's cage. Place it as you would with sprays, and your hamster can eat the oats out of it!
 
WHERE CAN I BUY HAY?
Petsmart, petco, petland, pets at home and all other large chain pet shops usually have hay in stock. Check the small pet aisle. Oxbow is a great brand of hay with good quality control and packaging.
Look for a farm near you that sells hay. It's often much cheaper, and you can buy it in small quantites or large bales for a much cheaper prices.
Farms might also sell other hamster accessories!
Some shops on Etsy may sell hay as well, though most likely in smaller quantities with less variety than a farm.
 
Ok, that's it! If i said anything wrong, or you'd like to add anything just tell me!
 
june 1st- edited to add more detail about where you can get hay and the different cuts of hay

I actually use meadow hay and I really like it. It is a bit of a gamble since it’s a mixture of grasses, meaning that you could get hay that’s coarse or soft. I live on a farm and since we cut and bale our own hay, I get to pick and choose what I want to keep for my animals. We actually just went and picked up the missed hay a couple days ago, and a lot of it is very soft even though it’s the first cut.