Second Cutting Hay Varieties

Our two varieties of 2nd cut Timothy hays are our premium hays and the most popular varieties.

Harvested 6-8 weeks after 1st cutting
Less coarse than 1st cutting, leafier and softer naturally, but not as tender as 3rd cutting.
Darker green color.
High levels of nutrition (Lab Certified Test Results: Crude Protein 18.6 %, Crude Fat 3.9 %, Fiber 30.9 %, Moisture not more than 8.8 %, Calcium 0.74 %.)
All-natural, sun and wind-dried to preserve the smell, taste, and color
No pesticides, herbicides, additives, or preservatives
Harvested with care by our family to ensure the highest quality and freshness; it takes more time, effort, and care to make 2nd cut properly

2nd Cut	2nd Cut with Clover
Leafier and more tender specialty cut preferred by many small pets. Predominantly green in color but may be mixed with a touch of yellow/brown depending on the weather and growing conditions.	Similar to 2nd cut, with a smattering of clover buds and stems. Color can appear browner due to dried, crunchy clover stems. Coarser due to clover stems. Clover buds are a tender treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Store hay in a cooler, dry, dark place, and avoid plastic storage to prevent mustiness.

Farmers who specialize in hay for small animals must adhere to strict quality controls. The hay must be perfectly dry, have a good mix of grasses, be pesticide-free, contain no contaminants, and be suitable for sensitive digestion systems. Be cautious of hay with only one type of grass, as it might be grown using pesticides or invasive tillage techniques. Nature prefers biodiversity over purity.

Once hay is cut, it lies on the ground basking inthe sun. During this time, farmers flip and fluff it several times to ensure even drying. Hay left in the sun too long loses its green color and nutritional value. When it's dried just right, it's collected and compressed in a process called baling.

The quality and consistency of the hay depend on the farmer's processes and meticulous quality control. Larger hay companies may have inconsistency due to sourcing from multiple farmers.

Just like grass in a lawn is mowed several times a year, hay is also cut multiple times annually. Farmers can often get two or three harvests from a single hay field in one year.

The first cut is called the first cutting, the second is called the second cutting, and the third is called the third cutting. Each cutting of hay yields softer blades of grass.

First Cut Hay:

Harvest time: Late May or June
Characteristics: Coarse texture, long yellowish-green stems, few leaves, plentiful hay heads
Pros: High in fiber (healthy digestion), low in calories (weight control), stemmy and coarse (dental health)
Cons: Coarse texture may not be preferred by some bunnies or their humans, may induce allergies

Second Cut Hay:

Harvest time: July or August
Characteristics: Very soft green hay, little to no hay heads
Pros: Soft texture and good taste (second cut is the most popular choice)
Cons: Can lead to weight gain, less fiber, high in protein and calories

Third Cut Hay:

Harvest time: September
Characteristics: Luscious, ultra-soft and green,
Pros: Very palatable, bunnies love the taste and texture, very low dust
Cons: Can lead to weight gain, lowest in fiber, highest in calories and protein

Choosing hay for your bunny should involve you, your bunny, and a veterinarian if needed. Always provide unlimited grass hay.

Consider the variety of hay.

First cut hay is often a good starting point.
If your bunny doesn’t like the coarse texture, try mixing it with second or third cut hay.
A mix of grasses with minimal weeds suggests healthy soil and sustainable farming practices.
Grasses like timothy and orchard grass are staples, but be cautious with alfalfa, which is high in calcium and not suitable for adult bunnies over 6 to 8 months old.
Experiment with small quantities of different hays to find what works best.
Once you find the right hay, purchase larger quantities for economy.