Thoughts on Oxbow Hay

When I first got involved with rabbits at local animal shelters it was instilled in my head that Oxbow brand hay is superior for hay eating rodents (rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, ect). When I started taking rabbits home with me I soon learned that not only does Oxbow cost a lot, but it also has a lot of issues associated with it (in my opinion at least).

Upon my first purchase of Oxbow hay I noticed it was dusty, smelled odd, and was more like straw than hay. Half of the box of hay seemed to be dust. Just dust. Then what hay there was it looked and felt like straw as it was hard and sharp. I also noticed the smell did not smell like natural (or local) hay. It seemed to smell like it was processed and had added ingredients to make it seem more like edible hay.

Oxbow hay

Soon I switched to local hay which was not only economically sensible,  but also the rabbits loved it. So did I. It can be difficult to store a bale of hay but considering that you get at least 40 lbs of fresh, locally farmed hay for only 4-7 dollars, it is a good deal- especially when you have more than one rabbit.

Cons to having the local hay may be the following:

• Storage 
• Obtaining the hay 
• Possibility of finding leaves, dead insects, or other natural things 

Cons to Oxbow hay:

• Obtaining the hay 
• Storage (depending on size you order) 
• Straw-like 
• Artificially colored (bleached) 
• A lot of animals do not prefer it 
• Dusty 
• Cost 

Like with anything for your animals, make sure you purchase your pet products from trusted retailers or for hay, trusted farmers.

Using Education to Combat Improper Care for Rabbits

All too often I am faced with the situation of dealing with people who do not know how to properly care for their rabbit. Most recently I was alerted of a family who purchased 2 baby rabbits for their 8 year old child. The rabbits were being housed in a small cage in the bedroom of the child. To the families surprise (not mine), one of the rabbits died. There is no excuse for a baby bunny to die. Cases like this one can be prevented with proper education. Hay, proper pellets, fresh water, love, exercise, and medical care are all critical for the well being of any animal, but especially a baby bunny.

A letter to once foster bunny and namesake to this blog,

Dearest JoJo,
Today I will be saying goodbye to you. Although I know you will be taken care of and loved by many more people (and maybe even other animals), I still want what's best for you and will always worry, miss, and love you. 
It's best that you leave me today and go on to find your forever home with another family who will love and care for you just as much as I have. This is extremely hard for me but I know this is right. Soon you will be warmly wrapped in the comforting arms of a loving mommy or daddy and you will be so very happy.
I want you to know that I will never forget you. You are an amazing rabbit and anyone who gets the privilege to care for you is very, very lucky. When I think back on our time together I will always remember you waking me up every morning wanting to play but I was too tired and tried to buy myself more time by feeding you more hay and giving you a toy to play with, or I will remember when you first escaped your expen, the time you did your first binky, or how excited you get when I feed you, but mostly, how you made me smile through it all.
JoJo, I love you. I always have, and I always will.
Goodbye baby girl, and be good.