Cuts of hay?

[Sunnyastounded]

What do people mean by 2nd cut, 3rd cut, etc. when it comes to hay? Does Oxbow have these 'cuts' available for Western Timothy? What are the differences between the cuts?

 

[Ash]

I don't know if Oxbow sells the different cuts, but the difference in the cuts is how many times the stalk has been cut since planted.

For example, hay is planted. Then cut (that's first cut) then allowed to grow again before being cut (2nd cut) then allowed to grow yet again before being cut (3rd cut) and so on for as long as the season allows. I think it's usually just 3 cuts though before the season ends...

The difference in the cuts is, the farther into the season you get, the rougher the hay becomes for chins' teeth. If I recall correctly, your 2nd and 3rd cuts are better because they wear the chins' teeth down more.

 

[Sunnyastounded]

I don't know if Oxbow sells the different cuts, but the difference in the cuts is how many times the stalk has been cut since planted.

For example, hay is planted. Then cut (that's first cut) then allowed to grow again before being cut (2nd cut) then allowed to grow yet again before being cut (3rd cut) and so on for as long as the season allows. I think it's usually just 3 cuts though before the season ends...

The difference in the cuts is, the farther into the season you get, the rougher the hay becomes for chins' teeth. If I recall correctly, your 2nd and 3rd cuts are better because they wear the chins' teeth down more.

Wow, thank you so much for the information. You basically nailed everyone of my questions! Now to figure out if switching from Oxbow's Western to a hay that specifies in 2nd or 3rd cut is worth it.

 

[Paws4Chins]

Hay is a perennial...it lives more than 2 yrs and farmers usually leave hay fields planted for 3-4 yrs. The type of cutting refers to how many times the stalk has been cut that yr. First cut being around June-July, 2nd being Aug-Sept, and 3rd if your lucky a bit later depends on length of growing season and other factors.

 

[Paws4Chins]

Also, I am not sure that the hay gets rougher the further along you get with the cuts. Typically first cut hay is coarser and steamier because of new spring growth. 2nd and 3rd cut will be more leafy with less stems.

Here is a post about cuts of hay

http://chins-n-hedgies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21715

 

[Paws4Chins]

Hear is another post about hay and cuttings
http://chins-n-hedgies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22566&highlight=round+bales

 

[Bostongirl'sChin75]

If I remember correctly, Oxbow uses a mixture of different cuts in their hay.

 

[Stackie]

Oxbow has both 1st and 2nd cut in they hay. Usually I have found that it is more 1st than 2nd cut, in my experience.

 

[ticklechin]

If you want individual cuts, you need to buy hay from American Pet diner.

 

[SamiJami]

My guys like first cut-the coarser stuff. I buy 35 pounds at a time from Farmer Dave. He's cheaper than American Pet Diner. I've never had hay from him that wasn't loved.

 

[Sunnyastounded]

So, do you guys think Oxbow's Western is an adequate diet for a chinchilla?

 

[mishellyshel]

My chins like the Oxbow.......but you have to be careful from whom you buy. sometimes the pet stores do not move the product so it sits. it is best to get oxbow from one of their preferred vendors. you can find the information on their website and key in your zip code. it will provide you with the preferred retailers. they move the product quickly.
since i have several chins i order the larger boxes. oxbow directly referred me to dr fosters and smith online because in quantities over 25 lbs they ship directly from oxbow.
Stackie is correct.....the box is mixed. some of it is 2nd or 3rd cut with a good amount of 1st cut. some brownish and some coarse with seed heads. chins should get a good mix of hay. some of the coarser hay to wear their teeth and some of the softer more palatable for their fiber intake.

 

[Sunnyastounded]

Thanks. Could someone provide a link to Oxbow's preferred stores?

 

[mishellyshel]

click on store search. the preferred retailers have a brown box next to their name

http://www.oxbowanimalhealth.com/contact/find_products

dr fosters & smith is one of their online vendors and the turnover of hay is pretty fast. they often have free shipping on a certain dollar amount.

 

[Sunnyastounded]

Thanks, again!

 

[Klumba]

Does it say on the package what kind of cut is it? Also, how you should store it? Is it okay to store it in a bag or better to place it in something more natural and breathable?

 

[seachin]

Kleenmama's is my favorite...2nd cut as 1st cut is more coarse and 3rd cut is rarely nice and green except in a rare year. I think 2nd cut is a good compromise of being good for chins as far as teeth wearing and palatabilty to chins