Rabbit hay alternative?

Aquatic_blue

Songster
May 14, 2019
303
580
173
Southwest USA
I was curious if there was a hay alternative for rabbits. I have heard some hay requiring small pets use hay to keep their teeth filed down so to speak. I wondered if this was the case for the rabbit and if there are hay alternatives. Been thinking about a smaller family pet (puppies didn't work out), but my husband has hay allergies. It may be a no go, but I figured I would ask.
 
What are you looking for in a pet? Do you have any already?

Fish aren’t that boring, depending on the kind you get. :)

Was hoping for a soft, snuggly critter that was okay with kids that isn't a dog or cat. Not many options, though with a hay allergy. Oh well. We have chickens and hissing cockroaches.

I love big aquariums where I can see ocean life. That is entertaining to me and I could do it all day. One of my first pets was one of those zebra striped danio's. We had some neon tetras, an algae eater, and this cool crab that disappeared and we never found where it went...but it was only interesting so long. I didn't care about it after a point. I don't know, but there is something about cleaning fish tanks that I am not fond of...can't put my finger on it. Hamster cages, no problem. Chickens, no isssue. Not sure why fish tank care bothers me. :barnie
 
Try rats :). They’re actually really good pets and can be much friendlier than rabbits. They need a lot of space and care requirements, make sure to do your research. They do seem like a good option for you if your not scared of them. Rats always need a buddy tho.

I had similar issues with fish, hated cleaning tanks, loved the fish themselves.
 
Try rats :). They’re actually really good pets and can be much friendlier than rabbits. They need a lot of space and care requirements, make sure to do your research. They do seem like a good option for you if your not scared of them. Rats always need a buddy tho.

I had similar issues with fish, hated cleaning tanks, loved the fish themselves.

Been thinking about small rodents, too. I remember a syrian hamster I had for a few years. She was snuggly, but bit my dad real good when we first got her and tried to bite a friend that didn't even ask to stick her hand in the cage. Never bit any of us kids, but I wonder if they are more or less likely to bite than rats. I am not opposed to rats. Not sure if my husband would like the idea, though. He says we have enough mice that decide to sneak in the house and we don't need another mouse or rat ugh. Think I will give up on it. =/
 
😂
The thing about rodents (especially hamsters) is that they need a lot more space than people think. For instance, good hamster owners keep them in aquariums, minimum 20 gallon long. The cages you usually get at pet stores just don’t cut it.
Hopefully you can find what you are looking for and give it the care it needs :).
 
😂
The thing about rodents (especially hamsters) is that they need a lot more space than people think. For instance, good hamster owners keep them in aquariums, minimum 20 gallon long. The cages you usually get at pet stores just don’t cut it.
Hopefully you can find what you are looking for and give it the care it needs :).

After doing reading on many smal rodents, I kept hearing that, too - that the cages aren't big enough. I am kind of shocked, but have seen cool ideas for a big cage (usually a long, tall storage bin with open top or an aquarium. Never knew that before. Pet stores need to change their stuff.

Thanks, I hope so, too. Even if I don't find a solution, we will still be okay =P
 
A lot of rabbits hay can be found in their pellets. I raise rabbits for 4h with my sisters and we rarely give them hay. They actually get almost everything from their pellets! Rabbits are amazing pets and aren’t really that hard to care for if you know what you are doing! Just make sure that the pellets you get are Timothy hay based. NEVER GET THE FIESTA CRAP!!! The feed with colorful bits in it is not good for them at all! It’s only meant to trick people into buying overly expensive crap food! If you are worried about their teeth, give them untreated pine wood or toilet paper rolls! If you do decide to get rabbit for a pet, PLEASE go to a shelter! Especially after Easter!! So many people get them as presents and then take them to the shelter after two weeks. I hope you have fun!
 
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