OK, I am still confused on the feeding thing.

[cmjust0]

thanks for this thread.

i am wondering a few things. i am confused about what "hay" is. there seem to be so many kinds.

is it okay to feed only alfalfa plus free choice minerals and baking soda? or do i also need`to feed another type of hay? is orchard hay and alfalfa a good mix?

thanks!
lisa

Alfalfa/orchard grass is generally a good hay, though the proportions and quality of each make it pretty variable in terms of calciumhosphorus, protein %, etc... Grass ups the phosphorus and lowers the protein, while alfalfa ups the calcium and raises the protein. In other words, too much grass and your hay can be too high in phosphorus and too low in calcium and protein..

Ideally, your hay would be at least 2:1 calciumhosphorus and about 16% protein. If it's 50/50, grass/alfalfa, it's probably just about that..

Straight alfalfa is okay too, though, as kimmy said.. It's just more expensive.