Hay should make up around 80 to 90 per cent of a rabbit’s diet, so it should always be fresh, clean and available. A hay feeder keeps the hay off the floor, where it can be soiled with urine and droppings, and it stops your rabbit from wasting it. It also makes filling and cleaning quicker for you.
We have compared five hay feeders currently available on Amazon UK, from cheap metal racks to larger wooden mangers. We explain who each is best for, what we like and what to watch out for.
Quick Comparison Table
Product | Best For | Price Range | Rating |
Trixie Hanging Hay Manger | Cage-hung, low cost | £11-£14 | 4.1/5 |
Hay Rack with Wooden Seat | Popular, easy to fill | £13-£15 | 4.3/5 |
Kerbl Galvanised Hay Rack | Cheap and chew-proof | £5-£7 | 4.2/5 |
Trixie Free-Standing Hay Manger | Floor-standing | £8-£10 | 4.0/5 |
Niteangel Wooden Hay Manger | Larger, for rabbits | £33-£36 | 4.3/5 |
Our Top Picks
Trixie Hanging Hay Manger
Best for: a simple, low-cost hanging manger
Rabbits should eat a huge amount of hay, and a hay feeder keeps it clean, dry and off the floor. The Trixie hanging manger clips to the side of a cage or hutch, so it does not take up floor space.
It is a simple, dependable design, and it comes from a well-known European pet brand. It is a good choice for smaller rabbits or for guinea pigs.
It costs around £13 and averages 4.1 out of 5 across more than 700 ratings.
What we like:
- Hangs on the cage
- Saves floor space
- Well-known brand
Worth knowing:
- Small capacity
- Lower average rating
Specifications:
- Type: hanging hay manger
- Size: 20 x 15 x 17cm
- Brand: Trixie
- Use: rabbits and guinea pigs
Hay Rack with Wooden Seat
Best for: a popular hay rack with thousands of ratings
This hay rack has a wooden seat and a metal rack, and it measures 25 x 17 x 20cm. It is designed to hold hay, and the seat gives a small animal a place to sit while eating.
The design keeps hay tidy and reduces waste, and it is easy to fill.
It costs around £14 and averages 4.3 out of 5 across almost 6,700 ratings, which is a strong record.
What we like:
- Wooden seat
- Thousands of ratings
- Easy to fill
Worth knowing:
- Wood can be chewed
- Fairly small
Specifications:
- Type: hay rack with seat
- Size: 25 x 17 x 20cm
- Material: wood and metal
- Use: rabbits and guinea pigs
Kerbl Galvanised Hay Rack (25 x 17cm)
Best for: a cheap, chew-proof metal rack
The Kerbl hay rack is a galvanised metal rack that hooks onto the bars of a cage. Metal cannot be chewed, so it lasts longer than wood.
It is a very inexpensive, no-frills way to keep hay off the floor. The bars let rabbits pull out hay while limiting waste.
It costs around £6 and averages 4.2 out of 5 across more than 800 ratings.
What we like:
- Very cheap
- Chew-proof metal
- Hooks onto cage bars
Worth knowing:
- Small
- Metal edges should be checked
Specifications:
- Type: galvanised hay rack
- Size: 25 x 17cm
- Fitting: hangs on bars
- Brand: Kerbl
Trixie Natural Living Free-Standing Hay Manger
Best for: a small, free-standing manger for the floor
If you do not have cage bars to hang a rack on, a free-standing manger sits on the floor. The Trixie Natural Living manger is small, at 15 x 11 x 15cm, and made of natural materials.
It is best suited to smaller animals, such as guinea pigs and dwarf rabbits.
It costs around £9 and averages 4.0 out of 5 across more than 750 ratings.
What we like:
- Free-standing
- Natural materials
- Low price
Worth knowing:
- Small capacity
- Can be tipped over
Specifications:
- Type: free-standing hay manger
- Size: 15 x 11 x 15cm
- Brand: Trixie
- Best for: small animals
Niteangel Wooden Hay Manger with Seat
Best for: a larger wooden manger for rabbits
Niteangel’s wooden manger is a bigger, sturdier design that suits rabbits. It has a seat, and a rack that holds a generous amount of hay.
It looks smart in a hutch and gives a rabbit somewhere to sit while eating. It is a premium option.
It costs around £35 and averages 4.3 out of 5 across more than 1,000 ratings.
What we like:
- Large capacity
- Sturdy wood construction
- Seat for the rabbit
Worth knowing:
- Expensive
- Wood can be chewed
Specifications:
- Type: wooden hay manger with seat
- Material: plywood
- Brand: Niteangel
- Best for: rabbits
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Rabbit Hay Feeder
What to Look For
A good hay feeder holds enough hay for a day or two, is easy to fill and is stable enough not to tip. Look for a rack that keeps hay off the floor, and one that is chew-proof if your rabbit is a chewer.
Check the size of the openings. They should be big enough for your rabbit to pull hay out easily, but small enough to limit waste.
Types of Rabbit Hay Feeder Explained
Hanging racks clip to the bars of a cage or hutch. Free-standing mangers sit on the floor. Wooden feeders look natural and can include a seat. Metal racks are chew-proof, and combination feeders include a litter tray.
A hanging rack saves space, and a free-standing manger is easier to move.
Size Guide
A dwarf rabbit or a guinea pig needs a small feeder, and a large rabbit needs a bigger one that holds more hay. A bonded pair may need two feeders, so that both can eat at once.
Check the dimensions before buying, since some feeders are very small.
How Much Should You Spend?
A basic rack costs £6 to £15. A larger wooden manger costs £30 or more. A simple rack does the job perfectly well.
Frequently asked questions
How much hay does a rabbit need each day?
A rabbit should eat a pile of hay roughly as big as itself each day. Hay should always be available, and it should be fresh.
Is a hay rack better than loose hay on the floor?
A rack keeps the hay clean and dry, and reduces waste. Loose hay is fine if it is in a clean, dry place, but it soils easily.
Can I use a hay feeder in an outdoor hutch?
Yes, provided the hay stays dry. A covered feeder helps, and it is best to use a rack inside a sheltered area.
How do I stop my rabbit chewing the feeder?
Choose a metal rack, or provide plenty of chew toys and hay. If your rabbit chews wood, replace the feeder when it is worn.
How often should I clean the hay feeder?
Remove old hay every day, and wash the feeder once a week with warm water. Dry it fully before refilling.
Conclusion
For most owners, the hay rack with a wooden seat is a good, well-reviewed choice, with thousands of ratings. The Kerbl galvanised rack is the cheapest and is chew-proof, and the Trixie hanging manger is a low-cost hanging option.
If you want a larger, sturdier manger for a big rabbit, the Niteangel wooden manger is the premium choice. Whichever you choose, keep the hay fresh and always available.
This roundup is part of our Small Pet Equipment Guide.
