Oat Hay too Thick?

[pinknfwuffy]

I’ve been transitioning from orchard grass to oat hay in order to get Olaf into eating a thicker-stalked hay for his teeth and to spare some of my allergies. So far so good – I haven’t been sniffling and he loves the thinner, greenish-to-cream-colored strands. It’s the thick, yellowy pieces that he hates. He’ll pull it all out of the rack, sort it, and push the thick stuff down his ramp. 

I’d love to get him to eat more of it consistently. Any ideas? I started by mixing the oat hay with his orchard grass and then slowly weaned him off the orchard. I’ve been using Oxbow oat hay but has anyone had better luck with the BB mini bales or another brand?

And health-wise, should I start mixing in orchard again?

Thanks!

[Luna]

I don’t know how to get him to eat more of it consistently, but on Oxbow’s website it says the nutritional value of its orchard and oat is the same, so health-wise I don’t think you need to mix in orchard again.

[Azerane]

My pair aren’t a fan of the big yellow stalks either. Some of them get wasted, others they will eat if I leave it long enough before topping up the hay rack. A little bit of wastage for me isn’t a problem though since I get a whole bale at a time for under $15.

[pinknfwuffy]

Thanks Luna! I’m glad to know they’re comparable.

Thanks Azerane! I suppose that makes sense. He will go back for some if I wait him out. :] I’m going to shop around and see what kind of deals I can get.

[Author]

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