Hay, specifically Timothy

[KarenSoCal]

Does bagged hay have a shelf life? Assuming it is kept completely dry, how long til it loses nutritional value? Did it ever really have nutritional value? Or just fiber?

 

[Tom]

I don't know the answers to your questions, but thought I'd mention that I don't like timothy hay for tortoises. I find it to be too stemmy. I prefer orchard grass hay or bermuda hay.

 

[KarenSoCal]

I don't know the answers to your questions, but thought I'd mention that I don't like timothy hay for tortoises. I find it to be too stemmy. I prefer orchard grass hay or bermuda hay.

Yes, you've mentioned that before. Problem is, I have only found horse size bales of those. One would last so long, it brings me back to the shelf life question. Chug likes the Timothy-I chop it up small, but I will continue to look for the others.
I have also bought flats of wheatgrass, which he loves green, or dried out.

 

[Tom]

Yes, you've mentioned that before. Problem is, I have only found horse size bales of those. One would last so long, it brings me back to the shelf life question. Chug likes the Timothy-I chop it up small, but I will continue to look for the others.
I have also bought flats of wheatgrass, which he loves green, or dried out.

If you go to your local feed store and tell them you've got one small tortoise to feed, they will often let you grad a few handfuls of the chaff that falls off of the big bales. They sweep up and throw away dumpsters full of the loose stuff. They'd probably be happy to let you grab a bag full. I offer to pay, but they seldom take your money for the "trash" off the ground. Show them a pic of your tortoise and I'm sure you'll win them over.

 

[KarenSoCal]

Great idea! I like it! [emoji2]

 

[Tom]

Great idea! I like it! [emoji2]

To introduce the new hay, I simply start feeding them all their other stuff on a bed of the grass hay.

 

[SULCY]

Pet Smart sells small bags of Orchard hay.

 

[KarenSoCal]

Pet Smart sells small bags of Orchard hay.

Ok, thanks for telling me! I'll get some there! [emoji2]