Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have read in many care sheets that the only two hays acceptable are timothy or alfalfa.

Now I have also heard from several people that alfalfa hay is not good and use only timothy hay.

Why?? and what is the difference between them?

bob

Sleepy Time

Well Timothy Hay is better for a tortoise. Alfalfa is not good for a tortoise because it is higher in protein. I would just stay away from Alfalfa. Stick with timothy.

Thanks for the info. I've been trying to get an answer for that for awhile.

I was planning to use alfalfa as a ground cover and give his timothy hay in a big bin.

bob

Not sure where you are getting Timothy Hay from but I havn't found a good source for it in my area. Timothy is available at pet stores for $8 per small bag. The alternative I use in the winter is called 'grass hay'. It contains some alfalfa but mainly lower quality grasses that are better for torts. Most farm and fleet stores sell it cheap.
jbly

Oxbow is a good source for Timothy hay. I went to the website and was going to order it, but a 25lb box was going to be like $25 just for shipping! On their website they list places in your area that carry their products. I have to drive about 20 mins to get it, but the box is big and it is really packed in; it will last you a long time depending on how many and how big your torts are. It is very good quality, nice and green and mine actually eat it without having to mix in other greens.

Good luck!

Alfa alfa is definately a more rich nutritious plant than timothy. When seeking out more ruffage (as in sulcattas) you'd want the timothy. Alfalfa would be great to have mixed in as it is superbly quantified in calcium.

Ian