TIMOTHY HAY - all you need to know about our timothy hay (and answered by our supplier)

whats the difference from 1st cut timothy hay and second cut timothy hay?
Answer: [Tim Warren - Simple System Ltd]  The first cut is higher in stalk and can be higher in sugar but that is very variable.  The degree of stalkiness relates to the growth stage at cutting and the later the cut the lower the protein.
Second cut will be much leafier assuming the first cut was stalky.  The fibre will increase as the season progresses until about September when it falls slightly.  Later cuts can be higher in protein like very early first cuts but are generally lower in sugar.

Why do we sell second cut for chinchillas and other small pets instead of first cut?
Answer: [Tim Warren - Simple System Ltd]  We found rabbits and smaller furries could not cope with the stalky first cuts.

So why is timothy hay second cut sometimes 'stalkier' later in the year than in early summer?
[Tim Warren - Simple System Ltd] The later containers may just be the less fabulous as the supplier will send the best first.
Grass is so variable and what we want is a leafy cut which is reasonably high in fiber and low in protein and sugar.  In the end I have to say it is always a balancing act.

Isn't 1st cut good to feed all the time, and second cut has a higher calcium that's good - but not to feed all the time?
[Tim Warren - Simple System Ltd] I would prefer second cut all the time.  Calcium varies more with soil than cut and varies little in grass at all.  Generally falls between Ca:P ratio of 1 and 1.5.  It is feasible for a slightly higher calcium level in the second cut but since it is less available and in a better balance with fibre I would still say it is more appropriate for herbivores.  Early season grass grows so quickly the problem is more likely to be deficiency particularly of Mg which has to be in balance with Ca and P.  Second cut will always be best as a balanced source of minerals.
 

Simple System Ltd are wholesale providers and do not send parcels direct to individual customers, so please do not contact them or they will just refuse to send - they sell through us as a retail supplier, and will send only to rescues/sanctuaries that buy in bulk (through contact with chinchillas2shop and must be 10 bales or more per order and must not be for resale - only for the pets in their care) customers selling any of the SS Ltd products for resale without a license to re-sell will be notified

If you are a small pet charity/sanctuary and would like to buy in bulk
(10+ bales/items per time) then we can arrange for Simple Systems ltd. to deal with you direct on a very good discount service - please email us for more details and the conditions at chinchillas2shop@hotmail.co.uk