OK... deep breath... count to ten... Now that the drama from the other day seems to have blown over (at least on my end... she's still angry... apparently...), I can turn to more useful, practical, enlightening, important things...
Angoras should have constant access to hay- it helps prevent wool block and, some evidence suggests that, because of it's high fiber content (ie. it moves things along), it can help prevent coccidia.
However, there are lot of different types of hay out there- all sold in various forms and varying in expense. This post will cover the different types of hay and the various forms in which they come.
Most people agree that Timothy or Orchard Grass are healthier than Alfalfa, which is high in fat and protein. I, however, will feed a half Timothy/ half Alfalfa mix in the winter and to pregnant and lactating does.
Hay comes in many forms- from tightly compressed blocks to large bails.
Most of the time, hay that is sold in big- chain pet stores comes in small bags. This hay is of varying quality but it is almost always more expensive than buying a bale from a local farmer of at a farm supply shop ($5.00 per small bag or $6.00 per bale). If one must buy hay from a big chain store, I recommend Oxbow.
One can also buy hay in block form that is compressed and dehydrated from big- chain pet stores. These blocks can be fun for rabbits to chew on and play with- however, they must be removed when (not if) soiled. I have read that, because these little blocks of hay are dehydrated, they encourage more water consumption. Thus, this form of hay may be an option for a rabbit whose fluid consumption- for whatever reason- is less than ideal.
Also, these blocks are great for keeping teeth in good shape as they are fairly hard and must be worked at before eaten. Again, they are expensive and must be removed and discarded when soiled.
Next, there are compressed bales from chain farm supply shops. This is a much cheaper route to follow than the tiny bags of hay from big chain shops and, for the most part, the quality is better. However, it will rarely be fresh and you will need space to keep the bale after you begin using it (I use a Christmas tree bin). Also, it is most likely old and could be transported from anywhere.
One major benefit to using compressed bales from farm supply stores is that there is rarely- if ever- anything else mixed in with the hay. That means that you probably won't have to worry about poisonous plants, etc. in your hay.
Last, many farmers sell hay. In my opinion, this is the freshest hay available. It smells and looks wonderful- if you like that sort of thing. My rabbits love local hay and I love helping out local farmers. It's very cheap- compared to the little bags found in pet stores- and lasts for a while. Again, you'll need a place to store it.
However, there is one major drawback: things (other than what you want) in your hay.
For example, poisonous or noxious weeds. Flowering Dock, for instance- which is high in oxalates. Milk weed, Chicory, and Thistles can also be bad for rabbits because they tend to absorb a high amount of contaminants- especially heavy metals. I am constantly finding and taking "other" plants out of my hay.
There are also some odd things- other than plants- that can end up in hay. Such as dead toads. No joke. I once found a smooshed (dead) toad in my hay. Last night I found a crushed up bottle of windshield de- icer (they are getting a call about that)... So, you just never know what you'll find.
I have also read that fur mites can also be hiding in hay- depending on where and how the hay was stored. I have not had an issue with this so I can't speak to it; rather it's just something I read.
In any case, your angora needs hay- at all times... As always, do your own research, draw your own conclusions, and do the best you can!
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