Hay is the most important part of a rabbit’s diet, making up around 80-90% of their daily food intake. It supports digestion, prevents dental problems, and keeps them happy and healthy. But what if your rabbit refuses to eat it?

You’re not alone. Many rabbit owners struggle to get their bunnies to eat hay, leading to health risks like GI stasis, obesity, and overgrown teeth. The real problem? Most owners are buying the wrong kind of hay—low-quality, dusty, or simply not appealing enough for their rabbit to enjoy.

In this blog, we’ll break down why your rabbit won’t eat their hay, the mistakes most owners make, and how switching to the right brand can change everything.

 

The 3 Biggest Reasons Rabbits Reject Their Hay

 

1. The Hay is Poor Quality

Not all hay is created equal. Many supermarket or mass-produced brands sell stale, dusty, or over-processed hay that lacks the fresh, natural scent and texture that rabbits love.

If the hay is:

• Yellow, brown, or dull instead of vibrant green
• Dusty or crumbly rather than soft and fresh

Your rabbit will turn their nose up at it. Rabbits rely on their keen sense of smell, and if the hay doesn’t smell fresh, they won’t eat it.

2. The Wrong Type of Hay

There are many different varieties of grass that can be grown to produce hay and it can take some trial and error to find the right fit for your pet.

Timothy is the most popular variety worldwide with Rye, Meadow and Orchard being other readily available options. 

It is worth mentioning that some varieties are only going to be available in the UK from suppliers who import hay from around the world. Orchard for example thrives growing in drought like conditions so would be difficult to establish a crop in the UK climate. 

Timothy hay comes in  different cuts, each with a different texture, taste, and nutritional profile. Choosing the wrong cut can put your rabbit off their food.

• First Cut: Coarse, high in fibre, but can be too tough for some rabbits.
• Second Cut: The perfect balance—soft, leafy, and full of nutrition.

 

3. The Hay is Stored Incorrectly

Even if you’ve bought top-quality rabbit hay, poor storage can ruin it. Hay absorbs moisture, odours, and dust, which can make it stale and unappetising for rabbits.

How to store hay properly:

• Keep it in a breathable container 
• Store it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight
• Buy in smaller batches to keep it fresh

If your hay smells musty, feels damp, or looks dull, your rabbit is right to reject it.

 

How the Right Brand of Hay Can Change Everything

Now that we’ve covered the main reasons rabbits refuse to eat hay, let’s talk about the solution: high-quality, fresh, and naturally delicious hay.

What to Look for in Premium Rabbit Hay

• Fresh, Green Colour: Vibrant hay indicates high nutrient content.
• Soft Yet Fibrous Texture: The perfect mix of leafiness and crunch.
• Aromatic, Natural Smell: Rabbits are drawn to fresh, fragrant hay.
• Low Dust & No Preservatives: Dust-free hay keeps their respiratory system healthy.

Our hand-selected, farm-fresh hay is carefully packed to retain maximum freshness and nutrition, ensuring your rabbit gets the best diet possible.

Not all hay brands prioritise quality, but we do. That’s why our hay is:

·         Freshly harvested and packaged for maximum nutrition

·        Perfectly balanced to keep rabbits healthy and happy

·         Tried, tested, and loved by thousands of happy bunnies

Many rabbit owners see an instant change when they switch to a better brand of hay. Their rabbits start eating more enthusiastically, have better digestion, and even become more active.

 

How to Introduce New Hay to a Picky Rabbit

If your rabbit has been refusing hay, switching to a better-quality option is the first step—but they may need some encouragement.

Step 1: Mix it In Gradually

Start by mixing the new hay with their current hay to help them transition. Over a few days, increase the ratio until they’re eating only the fresh, high-quality hay.

Step 2: Offer Hay in Different Ways

Rabbits love variety. Try:

• Using a hay feeder to make it more engaging
• Placing hay in different locations around their enclosure
• Stuffing it into cardboard tubes to make it fun

Step 3: Pair it With Their Favourite Treats

Sprinkling a small amount of dried herbs, apple sticks, or a few pellets in the hay can make it more enticing.

The Hay That Bunnies Love – Order Yours Today

If your rabbit isn’t eating their hay, it’s not their fault—it’s the quality of the hay you’re giving them. Rabbits are naturally drawn to fresh, high-quality Timothy hay that smells great, has the right texture, and is free from dust and chemicals.

Don’t waste money on low-quality, unappetising hay that your rabbit ignores.

Make the switch today with our farm-fresh, rabbit-approved Timothy hay, and watch your rabbit fall in love with hay again.

→ Order Now & Give Your Rabbit the Best!

 

Final Thoughts

A rabbit that refuses hay is a serious concern, but the solution is simple: buying the right hay from a trusted source. Quality hay prevents health issues, improves digestion, and keeps rabbits happy and active.

By choosing fresh, nutritious, and bunny-approved hay, you’re not just solving a picky eating problem—you’re investing in your rabbit’s long-term health and happiness.

 

FAQs

1. How do I know if my rabbit’s hay is fresh?

Fresh hay should be green, fragrant, and slightly soft to the touch. If it looks dull, smells musty, or feels brittle and dusty, it’s likely past its best and your rabbit may refuse to eat it. Buying high-quality, farm-fresh hay ensures your rabbit gets the nutrition they need.

2. How much hay should my rabbit eat per day?

Rabbits should have unlimited access to hay at all times. Ideally, they should eat a pile of hay that’s at least the size of their body each day. If your rabbit isn’t eating enough, try switching to a more appealing, fresher hay and placing it in multiple locations.

3. My rabbit won’t eat hay but eats pellets—what should I do?

If your rabbit is ignoring hay but devouring pellets, they may be filling up on processed food instead of getting the fibre they need. Gradually reduce pellets and introduce fresh, high-quality hay with a variety of textures to encourage them to eat more.

4. What’s the best way to store hay?

To keep hay fresh, store it in a cool, dry place in a breathable container. Avoid damp areas or direct sunlight, as moisture and heat can cause hay to spoil quickly. Our premium hay is packed for freshness, ensuring your rabbit gets the best quality every time.

 

Guest Author: Rabbit and Hutch