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Timothy Hay for Hamsters: #1 Best Guide
This article is an extensive guide to timothy hay for hamsters including pros, costs, and much more. Keep your hamster happy with fresh timothy hay!
Is timothy hay a good choice for hamsters? We’ll answer this question and a lot more in this comprehensive guide to timothy hay for hamsters.
If you’re interested in prices for timothy hay for your hamster, we’ll take you to some fresh, sweet timothy hay prices right now.
Alright, let’s get started!
What is Timothy Hay for Hamsters Used For?
Timothy hay for hamsters is used primarily for 2 uses: (1) for dietary needs and (2) for hamster bedding. Most hamster pet owners use timothy hay as a regular part of their hamster’s diet. However, fresh timothy hay also works well as a natural bedding for hamsters. We’ll look more in-depth into both of these timothy hay uses.
Can Hamsters Eat Timothy Hay?
Yes, hamsters can eat timothy hay because of its nutritional, dental, and affordable value. In fact, Timothy hay provides 8% protein and 32% fiber. Although not an essential part of a hamster’s diet, timothy hay is an excellent addition to a hamster’s daily diet because there are practically no bad effects to adding timothy hay to your hamster’s diet. So, no, timothy hay is not bad for hamsters. In fact, here are 10 reasons why hamsters can/should have timothy hay in their daily or weekly diets.
1. Excellent Fiber Source
One of the best reasons why timothy hay is good for hamsters is its 32% fiber dose. Hamsters need fiber to help them have a motile digestive system. And a healthy digestive system makes for a healthy and happy hamster.
2. Great Mineral Source
Timothy hay also provides another great avenue for your pet hamster to receive good minerals that help your hamster thrive.
3. Dental Health
A hamster’s incisors never stop growing. Essentially, hamsters gnaw to keep the size of their teeth in check. That’s why substances like timothy hay are good to keep by your hamster so that he has something to wear down his teeth on.
4. Regulates Weight
Timothy hay also keeps a hamster safe by keeping its weight in check. Obviously, an obese hamster may suffer from heart problems or other health issues.
5. Healthy Digestive Tract
We alluded to this earlier, but timothy hay is good for a hamster’s digestive tract. Hamsters with an unhealthy digestive tract can contract diarrhea or “wet tail”. A poor diet is one contributing factor to “wet tail”, which is an infection that can potentially kill a hamster suddenly (learn more here).
Because of the high concentration of fiber, timothy hay is an excellent dietary supplement that will help keep your hamster’s digestive tract healthy and clean.
6. Low in Calories
You want to feed your hamster the right foods. Hamster “junk food” feeds him a lot of sugar, potentially resulting in obesity, other health issues, or even death. Timothy hay for your hamster is a great alternative because of its low sugar and low caloric intake.
7. Promotes Foraging Behavior
Providing timothy hay for your hamster encourages him to forage and burrow. Physical and mental stimulation is good to keep exercising within your hamster, keeping him healthy and happy!
Alright, that pretty much sums up the main reasons why hamsters can/should have timothy hay in their daily or weekly diets. Here’s a table overview.
| Pros | Details |
| Excellent Fiber Source | 32% of timothy hay is fiber, giving your hamster a healthy digestive tract. |
| Great Mineral Source | Provides minerals to keep your hamster thriving. |
| Dental Health | Timothy hay gives your hamster something to gnaw on to keep his teeth from growing too big. |
| Weight Regulator | Keeps your hamster’s weight in check. |
| Healthy Digestive Tract | Because of the fiber, resulting in a healthy digestive tract. Otherwise, diarrhea or wet tail can occur (bacterial infections). |
| Low in Calories | Less sugar and calories, which keeps your hamster at a good weight |
| Promotes Foraging Behavior | Encourages hamsters to be stimulated, physically and mentally. |
It’s important to understand that timothy hay should not be the foundation of a hamster’s diet. A hamster needs a balanced diet to fulfill its nutritional needs, which means other foods will also need to be included in his/her diet. Here’s a great article that talks more extensively about the different nutrients that hamsters need to stay healthy and happy.
Is Timothy Hay Safe for Hamsters?
Yes, timothy hay is safe for hamsters because it is an excellent source of fiber (keeping the digestive tract clean) and minerals, and low in calories. As we read above, there are many more reasons why hamsters not only can have timothy hay but why timothy hay is actually really good for hamsters.
There are several rare concerns that you do want to keep in mind, though.
Excessive Fiber & Protein
Moderation is key. If your hamster begins eating excessive amounts of timothy hay, it may result in the following issues: constipation, diarrhea, etc. Just make sure that your buddy isn’t just feasting on timothy hay excessively.
Tough Hay
If fresh, 2nd or 3rd cut timothy hay is typically very soft. However, there can sometimes be random pieces of hard hay. This can potentially injure your hamster. Consider sifting through the hay for any hard pieces of hay and then chopping up the hay into smaller pieces for easier intake.
Is Alfalfa Hay or Timothy Hay Better for Hamsters?
Interestingly, timothy hay has fewer amounts of protein and calcium than alfalfa hay. Similarly, alfalfa and timothy hay both have vitamins and minerals that are good for your hamster.
How Much Timothy Hay Should I Feed a Hamster At Mealtime?
You can keep timothy hay in its cage for your hamster to nibble or chew on at all times. So to answer the question, there’s no maximum amount of timothy hay that you should feed your hamster at mealtime; you don’t need to worry about overfeeding your hamster on timothy hay.
What Does Timothy Hay do for Hamsters?
Here are some of the key benefits that timothy hay does for hamsters:
- Provides fiber
- Provides protein = energy
- Keeps a clear digestive tract
- Helps dental health
- Keeps weight in check
- Promotes foraging behavior
What Cut of Timothy Hay Should I Give Hamsters?
Typically, the best cut of timothy hay to give hamsters is 2nd cut of timothy hay.
Basically, there are 3 different types of timothy hay cuts: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd cuts. Unlike some crops that are only harvested once, timothy hay is harvested up to 3 times at intervals during one harvest season. Most farmers only harvest the first 2 cuts (since the 3rd cut grows late in the year). However, there are rare occasions when timothy hay is cut or harvested a third time in one harvest season.
The 2nd cut of timothy hay is ideal for your hamster because it is much softer than the first cut, allowing for safer and easier consumption by your furry friend. The 3rd cut of timothy hay is fairly rare, which keeps the 2nd cut your best, and most affordable option.
How Do I Feed My Hamster Its Timothy Hay?
There are several different ways you could do this.
- Simply place the hay in its cage
- Drop it from above and allow them to forage for it
- Place it in a bowl (in order to keep the hamster’s poop and pee out)
- Use timothy hay as bedding in the cage for them to sleep on and also to nibble
What Hays Do Hamsters Use?
Some of the main types of hay that hamsters use is…
- Timothy hay
- Alfalfa hay
- Orchard grass
- Brome hay
How Much Does Timothy Hay for Hamsters Cost?
Timothy hay for hamsters costs differently depending on the company. So, we can’t speak for other companies but we happen to sell timothy hay ourselves! Feel free to see our prices!
Timothy Hay
$34.99 – $69.99 — or subscribe and save up to 15%Select options
Can I Put Hay in My Hamster’s Cage?
Yes, as a matter of fact, hamsters love hay as the bedding for their cage (as long as your hamster isn’t allergic to it).
Timothy hay is a great bedding material for hamsters for the following reasons:
- Soft
- Pets can nibble on it
- May encourage burrowing habits
Remember to always provide fresh, clean timothy hay for your hamster’s bed. Any soiled hay should be removed ASAP.
How Much Hay Should Go In A Hamster Cage?
Somewhere between 2-4 inches of timothy hay is a good amount of hay to put in a hamster cage. Make sure that your hamster always has a clean bed of hay or straw to sleep on.
Who We Are
Hi! We’re Blue Mountain Hay, a high-altitude Timothy hay grower in the high altitudes of the Pacific Northwest.
Fresh
Our high-altitude timothy hay is fresh from the mountain fields, allowing you to provide a nutritious meal for your pets.
High-Altitude Grown
We grow our hay in the high altitudes of the Blue Mountains. Higher altitudes create cooler temperatures, which makes our timothy hay grow at a slower pace. This increases the number of nutrients in each plant. Because of the slower hay growth, our high-altitude-grown timothy hay is much softer and richer in taste, making a great meal for hamsters. Plus, high-altitude hay means more digestible timothy hay for your hamster.
No Harmful Chemicals
Our timothy hay is a 100% quality product. Here’s why:
- No preservatives
- No artificial colors
- No flavorings
- No additives
So here’s a review table that sums up our timothy hay.
| Our Timothy Hay | Details |
| Fresh | Fresh hay, giving your pet a nutritious and tasty meal |
| High-Altitude Grown | This innovative farming process increases the nutrients in each plant. |
| No Harmful Chemicals | No preservatives, artificial colors, flavorings, or additives |
And here are some timothy hay for hamster product sizes:
| Timothy Hay for Hamsters – Product Size |
| 3 lbs. |
| 5 lbs. |
| 10 lbs. |
| 25 lbs. |
You can see the prices for our high-altitude-grown timothy hay for hamster below!
Timothy Hay
$34.99 – $69.99 — or subscribe and save up to 15%Select options
Wrapping it Up…
Alright, here are the 3 main takeaways you should remember:
- Timothy hay is good for hamsters because it gives them fiber, is low in calories, and has plenty of other benefits!
- Timothy hay can be used as a snack for your hamster or for your hamster’s bedding.
- While we can’t speak for other companies, here are prices for our timothy hay products.
If you liked this article and want to keep reading, check out our learning center!
Keep good care of your happy hamster!
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