I have been researching diet as well, and I am trying to add most of what you mention to my herbivore diet, but my reading suggests that alfalfa might be too high in protein for herbivores that originate in grassy desert and semi desert environments. The grasses they eat in the wild are mostly low in protein and high in fiber, so even plant proteins can cause kidney issues if fed long term. They can develop kidney and bladder stones and full blown kidney disease from too much protein. Obviously, bugs should not be fed to them, but even too much plant protein might not be good for them long term.Better hays are Timothy and orchard grass hay.



I have also been grinding up these pellets and adding them to their salad. I am getting great results from doing this.

www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=18443&cmpid=07csegb&ref=3312&subref=AA



There is also an Oxbow hay that is meant specifically for small herbivores. It is Timothy and orchard grass cut really fine so that it is easy to mix in with greens. Mine will eat this in small quantities, but they like the pellets better.

www.oxbowanimalhealth.com/products/type/detail?object=1532



Anyway, I bet those chucks think they died and went to heaven! lol

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