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The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet.  It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

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Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Hay storage & allergies

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    • rayray
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        I’m hoping someone on here can help.

        I have asthma and recently found out I have a hay allergy.  Never in a million years would I give up my Ziggy!!  Is there anyway to minimize the hays dust & flyaways?

        I’ve heard people mention the cubes, but do they have the same nutritional value as the regular hay? 


      • Cotton's Mama
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          I rescued a rabbit about a month ago and promptly found out I’m allergic to timothy hay.  I looked around online to find suggestions and decided to try orchard grass.  It’s not as ideal and timothy hay, but seems to be a good alternative (as are the hay cubes you mentioned).  I want to do the best I can for my bunny, and the best I can do is keep him (rather than re-home him again) even if his diet isn’t 100% ideal.


        • rayray
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            Thanks! Such a weird position to be in. lol! But I’d rather suffer than let go of my little monkey (Ziggy).

            I just wasn’t too sure about the cube and if they would provide the same nutrients as just regular timothy hay. The ingredients on the bag just says “timothy hay”. And it seems to be good for his teeth since it’s harder than hay because it’s compressed.

            I’ll try the orchard hay and see how I feel.

            The allergies are made worse by the fact that I keep Ziggy (& his hay) in my bedroom because he likes to sleep at the foot of my bed like a dog. lol!

            Anytime a virus/germ or allergen gets in me, it sets my asthma in a frenzy.


          • Cotton's Mama
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              It seems like a combo of a different grass or hay AND the compressed timothy would be ideal. Though I know you love your bunny, you have a find a balance between what’s best for him and what’s best for you. I think the long fibers from whole strands are healthy for their digestion. I’ve also read that giving timothy hay a light mist of water helps keep the dust from flying up in the air for allergy sufferers. You don’t want to mist a whole bale or bag full as it’ll get moldy, but just mist what you put in his bowl/feeder. Also, consider having someone else clean the cage and put out fresh hay (if you continue using timothy), so you have less direct contact with the fibers and dust. If you must do the cleaning and feeding, wear a mask. Finally, dust and vacuum your bedroom often and wash your bed linens and other fabrics frequently.

              Again, I’m not an expert and have very little experience since we have a new bunny. This is just what I’ve read around the web. I hope others can give you more advice!


            • JackRabbit
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                The hay cubes are not the same as the Oxbow hay stacks. Hay cubes are normally snack/chew items, ok for chewing but not as a hay substitute. They also make a powdery mess. The Oxbow hay stacks are actual hay that is compressed into the shape of a disc. These would work as a acceptable expensive alternative to bagged or bulk hay.


              • rayray
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                  Maybe I’ll try one of those covered cat litter boxes for his litter & hay. That way it can’t fly around as much.

                  The misting of what he’s eating sounds like a good idea. And I’ll probably start storing the hay in a closet/cupboard. It won’t be as convenient, but at least the bulk of the hay will be out of my way.

                  Thanks everyone!


                • JackRabbit
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                    Since the hay dust is primarily when taking it from the bag or box to the hay feeder or litterbox, have you ever tried using those paper medical masks while handling the hay? I’ve seen people wear them while mowing their lawns. Just an idea.

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                Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Hay storage & allergies