Our big box of Timothy hay from Small Pet Select arrived today, and needless to say, the buns were very excited. They could smell the fragrant contents before I even opened the box. Cosette decided I was too slow opening it, so she started to help. She’s very good at unwrapping gifts.

She became a blur when I finally opened the box, swiping the first bite.

Coco decided he’d have better luck on the other side.

He happily munched away…

…until he realized that the lid had created a makeshift tunnel. He can never resist a good tunnel.

Cos started to wonder why I was taking photos. The clicking was ruining her dining experience.

“Still here, eh?”

I took the hint, and turned off the camera so they could eat in peace.

You can buy this hay online for your buns at Small Pet Select. Their boxes of Timothy hay come in various sizes all the way up to 60 pounds. (Click on the link for Timothy Hay on the left to see the larger size options.)

On the topic of hay, be sure to check out our article about the importance of hay in a rabbit’s diet.

What is the mainstay of a rabbit’s diet?  Carrots? Nope!  Rabbit pellets? Wrong!  The right answer is hay.  The RSPCA is spreading the word with a new campaign called Hay Fever!, which educates the public on the right foods to give to their pet rabbits.

According to the RSPCA:

In fact hay and grass are the key components [of a bunny's diet], and a new study commissioned by the RSPCA shows a lack of hay and grass in rabbits’ diets is one of the most important welfare issues affecting them today. Indeed, in a recent poll only 8% of rabbit owners knew hay and grass are the most important parts of a rabbit’s diet.

It is vital that rabbits are given a hay-based diet to provide fiber for good digestive health and roughage for good dental health.  A hay-based diet helps prevent potentially deadly conditions such as GI stasis, in which the digestive system comes to a halt, or poopy butt, which can lead to fly strike.

For more information about the Hay Fever! campaign, see the RSPCA website.

You can also read about the importance of a hay-based diet in our articles:

• Hay: The Basis for a Healthy Rabbit Diet
• A Correct Diet is Vital for Rabbits
• GI Stasis: A Deadly Condition in Rabbits
• Poopy Butt in Rabbits: Causes and Treatment