Allergic to Hay

[Denise12]

 I’ve realized that I’m totally allergic to the Timothy Hay! EVERY time I take it out, I sneeze multiple times!! I’ve gotten tested for allergies, but that didnt come up!

Anyone deal with this?

[Monkeybun]

Alot of people seem to have allergies to the hay. Have you tried other varieties? Some people have better reactions to the orchard grass.

[KatnipCrzy]

Maybe your allergy test did not test specifically for Timothy hay?  I think tests are based on the area you live in and what common possible allergens are in the area.  I know that some members have switched to other grass hays- worn maskes and/or gloves when handling the hay and that seems to help alot.

[Denise12]

I haven’t tried another type of hay…..When these two huge bags I have deplete, I will try! Thanks!

[Beka27]

It may be a mild allergy if the only symptom is sneezing when you handle it. You’re not having runny, itchy eyes or other congestion symptoms? Is it an abnormally dusty bag of hay? What brand are you using right now? Some brands are mroe dusty than others.

[Elrohwen]

Sometimes, it’s the dust and other things in the hay (including mold spores) that cause the worst allergy. I’m not at all allergic to Otto’s Oxbow hay, but I’m often allergic to horse hay because it tends to be dustier – they’re both timothy, so it’s the other particles that make me sneeze. When you were allergy tested, did you come up postiive for dust and/or molds?

Is it possible to switch brands of hay and see if that helps?

[wendyzski]

Timothy is actially a very common allergen – I have problems with it.  But it can be managed with some thought and care

1) I made a hay rack – it is closed on 4 sides and the side is covered with a NIC grid panel.  Pepper pulls the hay out from between the grids.  I have it set up over the litterbox so that andy extra bits or dust fall down into the box.  I made it big enough that I only have to fill it once a week or so, and then I fill it quickly and then go wash my arms and face to get the hay dust off.

2) I run my Roomba regularly, and being able to set it running and then leave the room keeps my symptoms low.  If you have carpets, this might be harder – you’d need a good vacuum (mine has a washable HEPA filter).  Also, I empty the dirt cups promptly down the toilet, so there isn’t any dust lying around in the trash cans. Because of my other allergies I also have all hardwood or tile floors with rugs than can be washed in hot water and furniture that is either leather, wood, or has removeable-and-washable covers.

3) A good air filter may help if you have symptoms when you’re not touching the hay. 

I knew I’d be dealing with this when I first thought about getting a bunny, so I put plenty of thought into figuring out how I could work around my limitations.  It’s not perfect – I will always have to take prescription medicine but that woule be the case with or without the bunny.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’ve recently become allergic to my timothy too! Some bags are dustier than others and I seem to have the most trouble with Oxbow (but I still buy it because my rabbits like it better than the other available brands…how’s that for being a rabbit slave?).

I get extremely stuffed up, runny nose, itchy eyes. I bought some allergy pills which do nothing at all, even though they are over $1 a piece! Some days it’s really bad and other days just a bit. Very frustrating! It took me a long time to figure out what I was allergic to because it started suddenly but it really seems to be the Oxbow.

[Denise12]

Yup, dust and Molds were on my allergens as a little high! That must be it!
I have an air filter in the bedroom, and its only tile in the kitchen where we keep it/her.  I also have a HEPA vacuum. I do have a runny nose often too. The brand I get is the Kaytee ones.  Thanks everyone!!!!!

[Beka27]

I think the Kaytee brand is notoriously dusty. They seem to use the little leftover bits more often than not. I have had great experiences with Oxbow, so that is my recommendation.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

I’m not a fair one to give allergy advice, as I’m not really allergic to anything (except perfume ) -but what if you got a mask from a hardware store-you know the ones for painting? If your just sneezing maybe it’s only if you inhale particles-and the mask would stop that

[LoveChaCha]

Oxbow is a wonderful brand.

I found out that I was allergic to Timothy as well. My allergies started acting up in January

I switched over to Oxbow’s Orchard Grass. My bunny loves it.

[BinkyBunny]

Orchard and Oat are good alternatives. Oat has more calories so if your bunny is overweight you’d want to just mix it in

[Hedi]

I am allergic as well and after 8yrs with rabbits, its not any better.

I still feed Timothy just because my buns love it the best. And then throw in a variety of others every now and then. What I have begun to do is put on a cheap face mask before I even walk into the bunnies’ bedrooms if I am going to be changing litterboxes or feeding hay. This way I dont get any into my nose or mouth. And then as soon as I come out I remove the mask and then thoroughly wash my hands and forearms to get any of the hay off if its touched me.

This has worked well for me the past several years. If I dont wear a mask then I end up having problems w/ wheezing. Those flimsy white face masks can be found really anywhere and last a long time.

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