Oxbow line of Hays?

Stakie · Apr 16, 2013

So, I work right by a little local pet store and they offer the oxbow line of hays. Usually I only get two types of hay Alfalfa and timothy. I noticed though, there were quite a few of them to choose from! Are they all safe for chinchillas? After I buy 6 bags of hay, I get a 7th free and thought maybe I will try one of the others as a treat or something. (Since that's what I do with the Alfalfa.)

The bolded ones are the ones I normally buy.

Timothy Hay - Basic staple hay
Orchard Grass - stimulates digestion and prevents obesity.
Brome Hay - Aids in digestion - Earthy flavor
Oat Hay - Crunchy texture - Nutty flavor
Alfalfa Hay - Good for young or lactating animals. Has more protein and calcium than the other hays.
Botanical - Combines timothy hay with fragrant herbs

Chinmama · Apr 16, 2013

They are fine. Unless I just can't find a good looking bag of Timothy, I use it as a base hay and then pick up a couple others for variety. Mine love them all.

Stakie · Apr 16, 2013

Thank you for the quick reply, just didn't want to get something and then find out it's not good for him. That would be a major bummer!

Sandi · Apr 16, 2013

I also use the Timothy as the base but once or twice a week I offer them a mixture of all the hays from Oxbow that you listed as a treat. They go nuts for it and eat tons of it.

jbcstratton · Apr 16, 2013

Different hays are great for wearing their teeth down too, because they chew different kinds differently.

javachin · Apr 16, 2013

Oxbow is one of the top brands you can buy at a pet store. American Pet Diner is good too, but I'm not sure if its sold in pet stores. Stay away from brands like Kaytee.

Stakie · Apr 16, 2013

I use to get most of my hays from local farmers. (My family are farmers.) So I knew exactly what I was getting and supporting local farmers, now I live in the middle of the mountains and the only hay I get from farmers are for horses. Plus, I don't have as many chinchins now, so a small bag lasts me a little while longer. I just never noticed there were so many different kinds before. I think the petshop I go to only offered the 'usual' hays.