{"product_id":"lucerne-hay-box","title":"Lucerne Hay | 50L Cardboard Box","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eProtein-rich, high-energy feed. Locally sourced.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeafy, tightly packed and good quality. \u003c\/span\u003e Available in a conventional size bale for pick up or 50L Vol. cardboard boxes for the courier. Last season hay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eNo bales available for sale at the moment.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease note we do not fumigate our hay.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eIt is cut and baled in the paddock and stored undercover in our hayshed. We box it on the day we send it. We take a slice from a bale and box it so it's fresh, quality hay, and tightly packed in a cardboard box. We do not have an exact weight - the volume of the box is 50L.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the difference between meadow hay and lucerne hay?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe main difference between meadow hay and lucerne hay for rabbits is their nutrition and the life stages they best support. Meadow hay is a grass-based, high-fibre feed that should form the main part of an adults daily diet. Lucerne (alfalfa) is a legume hay that is much higher in protein, energy, and calcium, so it is better suited to growing, pregnant, nursing, or underweight small pets. (rabbits and guinea pigs)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeadow Hay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMeadow hay is made from mixed grasses, sometimes with clover or wildflowers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt is high in fibre and lower in protein and calories, with naturally low calcium levels. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor adult rabbits, it should make up around 75–80% of the diet because it supports healthy digestion and helps wear down their teeth. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor adult guinea pigs, it must be available 24\/7. Keeps their constantly growing teeth worn down and ensures their digestive tract keeps moving smoothly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLucerne Hay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eLucerne hay is not a grass but a legume in the pea and bean family. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eIt is much richer nutritionally, with more protein, digestible energy, and calcium than grass hay.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eWhile it is ideal for young rabbits under six months, pregnant or nursing does, and rabbits needing extra condition, it is usually too rich for healthy adult rabbits.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eBest for baby guinea pigs (under 6 months), pregnant or nursing sows, and recovering or underweight adults.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eFeeding too much lucerne to adult rabbits and guinea pigs can contribute to obesity and urinary or bladder stones. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAs both types of hay are commonly available in New Zealand, it is important to choose the right one for your rabbits or guinea pigs age and needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);' data-complete=\"true\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" class=\"Yjhzub\"\u003eA Vital Note on Guinea Pigs:\u003c!--TgQPHd|[]--\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eNeither meadow nor lucerne hay provides enough Vitamin C to sustain a guinea pig. While meadow hay is their essential fibre source, you must supplement their daily diet with fresh bell peppers (capsicum), leafy greens, or high-quality guinea pig pellets.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Appletons","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":29036271730768,"sku":"","price":22.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0090\/6857\/6848\/files\/APP-SH-Lucerne-Hay-carton-50-Litre-Volume.jpg?v=1760651972","url":"https:\/\/chooks.co.nz\/products\/lucerne-hay-box","provider":"Appletons","version":"1.0","type":"link"}