Are Alfalfa Hay cubes from horse feed store ok to feed buns?

[HippityHopMom]

Does anyone feed their buns the alfalfa cubes sold at horse supply feed stores?

I now have chickens & I was at a feed store buying chick food and I noted they have 50 lb bags of alfalfa cubes (sold for horses).       I did a search on the internet and I noted where some did feed their outdoor rabbits the alfalfa cubes they buy for their horses.

  Right now, I buy both Timothy and Alfalfa cubes in small packages at my local pet shop.  I realize the alfalfa cubes are fattening … so I do limit these as treats.   If I can feed my buns the alfalfa cubes from the feed store, I would save so much.   I would also share many of the cubes with my horse friends…. as the 50 lb bag would be much too many for my buns.   I would also gladly share some with any bunny owners … if any live near me … I am in Floyd Co., GA.      (And if these are ok to give to our house buns)

 

 

 

 

 

[KytKattin]

I don’t have any clue about the quality of the cubes, but I do know that alfalfa should be limited or not given at all to rabbits over a year old as it is not only fattening, but can cause problems such as bladder sludge. If your bunnies are under a year old (and not near that mark…) then I would say go for it if you know someone with horses that will take the extra, but as a precaution I would find timothy cubes for treats after they are a year old. I think the cubes are also recommended for people who are allergic to hay.

Oh, and congrats on your chickens! Are they still babies? We have a bunch and they’re so great! Except they remind me of dinosaurs. I think if I fell down in their pen they’d eat me!

[HippityHopMom]

I did not know you should not give alfalfa to buns over a year old. I am glad I asked as both my buns are over 2 yrs old.

… and yes, My chickens are grown now and giving us fresh brown eggs each day now. My rooster is beautiful .. let me try to put his photo on here … hope we can post photo if not a rabbit ???

[KytKattin]

It’s not a complete no-no, it’s just not recommended as it can cause problems in rabbits who are more prone to those problems anyways.

Of course you can post photos of other animals! Though you might want to post another topic in the Lounge section to talk about chickens so this post stays on topic. Binkybunny tends to not be super picky about these things thankfully! If you post another topic do you mind if I post pictures of my chickens in there?

[Beka27]

I’d also encourage you to feed timothy cubes as a treat only. I don’t think a little bit of alfalfa would hurt, but it’s probably best to keep it to timothy at this point. Cubes are not a replacement for regular hay, we feed our buns maybe 3 or 4 tim cubes a week. They like them but they prefer their regular hay. I don’t think a 50 lb package would stay fresh long enough…

[HippityHopMom]

Thanks Beka and Kytkattin for the info on the alfalfa cubes. I will not buy the 50 lb bag. My local pet shop does order the Timothy Cubes for me.
Before, they only had the alfalfa cubes. I live in a small town in N.W. Georgia.

Kytakattin ….. I tried to add a photo of my rooster and the photo was too large. I will try to work on it in my photoshop and downsize it … and
post in the lounge forum section. YES … I would love to see photos of your chickens !

[Sarita]

I’d love to see photos of your chickens and rooster too.

[HippityHopMom]

Hi Kytkattin …I was able to post my chicken photos today … they are under the lounge section

[HippityHopMom]

To Sarita …. I just posted my chicken photos ….I was told it was best to put these under the lounge section of the forum.      so you will have to go over to the lounge … and look for the post by me!

[Ratfancy]

I bought a big bag from the feed store, and on average my buns will only eat 1-2 cubes per week.  That’s all they care for.  I just put them out for variety and they haven’t had any problems.

[Author]

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