What animals can eat timothy hay?

You may know that guinea pigs, chinchillas, and rabbits can eat timothy hay, but have you ever wondered about animals? Livestock breeds (which can also be companions and pets) enjoy and require timothy hay for good health. You may be familiar with horse and cattle requirements for hay varieties, but goats, sheep, pigs and llamas also love munching on timothy grass. The following guide talks about additional companion animals that can and can’t eat or bed on timothy hay.

These small animals eat Timothy Hay

Prairie dogs

Not many people adopt prairie dogs, and we don’t recommend adopting these particular animals for a variety of reasons. Those few brave souls who rescue prairie dogs know that they need unlimited access to hay, especially grass hays like timothy hay, for proper health. 

Degus

Degus are sometimes called the cousins of chinchillas. They actually share a special category of taxonomy order classification, called infra-order, with both chinchillas and guinea pigs. Just like their rodent cousins, degus need plenty of hay. Providing unlimited timothy hay is important for their digestion and teeth.

Turtles

While not furry, and sometimes not small, several turtle and tortoise types not only benefit from having timothy hay, but require it for healthy functioning. As you can see above, Darwin the Sulcata Tortoise loves eating his timothy hay from Small Pet Select.  Other turtle and tortoise species benefit from its use as bedding.  However, some turtle and tortoise species should not be fed, nor bedded on, timothy hay. Make sure to research the species of your turtle or tortoise before feeding hay.  

These animals eat timothy Hay and can enjoy it, but have limits

Hamsters, pet mice, and pet rats

Pet mice, pet rats, and pet hamsters all love timothy hay. Though they don’t need it for digestion, these pets in particular love to chew on, play in and nest in hay. Chewing isn’t just an act of fun, it’s necessary for their good mental health. Pet rats, mice and hamsters constantly chew, and will nibble hay down to tiny bits that won’t challenge their tummies if they eat it. They love to burrow in it and will toss it around. There are some picky babies who won’t touch hay, and if they don’t, it’s nothing to worry about. If yours love hay, consider third cut timothy hay. Softer hay minimizes eye pokes, and the higher leaf content is great for nesting. Also consider cutting the hay to inch sized bites or smaller specifically to prevent injuries. Finally, these small pets are especially sensitive to parasites, mold, dust and mites. Dusty hay is a no no. In order to reduce the chance of parasites, consider freezing hay for a week before giving it to your pet mouse, rat or hamster.

Gerbils

Like hamsters, pet mice, and pet rats, most gerbils love to chew on, play in and burrow in timothy hay. Some gerbils never raised on hay might turn their noses up at it, but if this occurs, it is more likely the quality of the hay than a dislike of timothy hay itself. Like their small cousins, gerbils can get parasites or suffer injury and illness from dusty, moldy, rough, poor quality hay. Unlike their small cousins, and more like guinea pigs and rabbits, gerbils need hay for proper digestion. However, while guinea pigs and rabbits need unlimited hay, gerbils only need moderate amounts of hay.

Birds

Timothy hay can be used for several birds, including finches, cockatiels and parrots. Timothy hay is not necessary for nutrition, but can be a nice treat or supplement on a regular basis. It won’t hurt their digestive system. More than diet, timothy hay is great for nesting and entertainment enrichment. Timothy hay can be laid over treats and food, providing stimulation for bored birdies as they sift through the foliage to find their meal. Similarly, timothy hay is a great nesting material. Unlike guinea pigs, who need lots of roughage, birds need more leaves than stems to build their nest and digest their grassy snacks. Third cutting timothy hay is ideal because it’s softer and contains more leaves. It’s very important for birds that there is no dust or mold in the hay source. Research your bird species carefully to be sure Timothy hay is right for its digestive system or nesting habits.

These animals do not eat hay

Ferrets

Ferrets do not eat hay, not even for treats. They are carnivores, and, with bellies only made to eat meat, ingested hay could cause blockages. Some people bed ferrets on hay, and do so successfully, but the hay must be clean, moisture, mold, parasite and dust free. Others refuse to use hay as a bedding, and will not rehome to homes that do.  Stable temperatures are required for hay as bedding. Ferrets will do poorly in winter with hay bedding because it will be unable to provide sufficient warmth. Poor quality hay can cause respiratory distress, illness, or injury.

Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs are like ferrets when it comes to hay. Hedgehogs are insectivores and have no need for hay in their diets. Further, they’re teeth don’t continuously grow like guinea pigs and rabbits do. Gnawing on hay can unnecessarily wear them down, which is bad for hedgehog teeth. Hay is generally discouraged as a bedding. Not only will it not keep a hedgehog warm, itcan cause respiratory distress and injury if the hay is poor quality. While hedgies might play in it a little, when used frequently, strands can become wound around the legs and restrict circulation. Some guides recommend stuffing a small hidey with leaves and timothy hay, while other hedgehog communities reject hay as a bedding altogether.

Sugar Gliders

Sugar gliders are omnivores and like juicy foods. Hay is dry and not great for their digestive system. Though some owners feed timothy hay nibbles as treats, others feel it replaces necessary nutrition with empty calories.  Hay isn’t really needed as bedding, however some owners place a small amount in the corner as a de facto potty. Suggies love to toss it around and play with it. It has to be removed daily because sugar gliders will pee on the hay, and wet bedding can be a problem. As always, dusty, moldy, or moist hay can cause respiratory problems, illness or injury in sugar gliders. Because of this and their dietary needs, hay is not officially recommended for suggies.

There are so many more animals to consider regarding timothy hay. Do amphibians or reptiles ever need hay? Instinct might tell us no. How about skunks, chipmunks or squirrels? These are usually not pets, and shouldn’t be encouraged to be handled by humans—so there’s not a lot of information out there. What about cats and dogs? Unicorns and triceratops?  For some animals there isn’t enough research or there’s too much disagreement, but for other furry friends, it’s nice to know how all that hay works.

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