Allergies to timothy hay, help!

[kristen58]

I’ve had really bad allergies the past year or so and I’m coming to realize that I might be allergic to the timothy hay.  I take multiple daily allergy medications and use a neti pot, but still can never breathe through my nose and always have painfully blocked sinuses and get sinus infections.  Several people have suggested to me that maybe it’s actually an allergy to the hay, rather than to my bunny or my dogs.  The other day I was petting my dog on the floor right by the rabbit’s pen, and I laid down on the floor, and there was spilled hay on the floor right by my face, I could smell the hay as I breathed in and my eyes instantly became super watery and itchy.  So, there’s probably a pretty good chance it’s the hay.  

I’m not sure what to do.  Right now, the rabbit’s pen is in my bedroom (the hay right by me while I’m sleeping could be causing my allergies to be so bad).  I could move her to the spare bedroom, which is room I use for storage, but I don’t want her to be isolated and lonely a lot of the time.  I work long hours and don’t have time to get her out to roam the house as much as I should, so if she’s not in the bedroom right by me and the dogs all the time, she’s not going to be happy.  I don’t want her to be alone in a spare bedroom all the time. 

I’m wondering from other people allergic to timothy hay if you’ve figured out a way to contain the hay more so it doesn’t get everywhere…or maybe there’s a kind with less dust…idk.  My allergies are SO bad, it’s driving me crazy.  I really really don’t want to consider rehoming her because of this, but I feel like I have to figure out something to do to make the allergies less severe.  Please help!  

[Bam]

You don’t have to use timothy hay. All grass hays are good for bunnies. Timothy is just very common. It grows well in many parts of the world so it’s easily available in most places – but there’s nothing about it that makes it essential to the well-being of buns. I’m crazy allergic to timothy hay. My eyes run. My nose clogs up. I cough all night long. So I’ve switched to orchard hay and oat hay.

Most hays sold as “meadow hay” contains some percentage of timothy hay, so meadow hay is not a good option for you.

I’d thoroughly clean out all the hay you’ve got now, and replace with orchard and or oat hay. Sometimes these types of hay are sold for horses in feed stores, otherwise you might have to order them online. Remember it can take several weeks for your symptoms to clear up. It should start to get better better pretty soon though. Buns don’t need to be switched on to new hay really slowly, like they should be with other food like pellets and veggies. They might be reluctant at first though, or they’ll just dive into the new hay.

It’s important that you deal with this, because it’s not good for you to be allergic all the time. It makes you prone to bad colds, because your immune system is continuously under pressure from your allergies.

[pinknfwuffy]

I agree with Bam. Using a different type of hay, like orchard grass or oat hay, can be a great way to keep healthy hay in your rabbits diet without having to suffer as much. I couldn’t figure out why I was wheezing with a raspy voice for the first month of having my rabbit. I was worried I might be allergic to him! But it turned out I am allergic to timothy hay, too.

After switching to orchard grass I’ve had a much better experience. Yes, it’s true that people who are allergic to one type of hay are probably going to still have some kind of reaction to other types of hay, but orchard grass and oat hay tend to be less dusty and fragrant. It’s like choosing the best of the worst for hay allergy sufferers.

Beyond buying different hay, it will also help if you store the hay away from where you sleep or spend most of your time, if possible. I keep my extra hay in it’s original ventilated bag in the closet. If I keep it out open in the living room I can feel it tickling my nose and throat sometimes. I do think moving her to another room would be the most ideal for your health, but if you can’t do that, I would suggest getting a hay bag with a zipper top closure (instead of an open hay rack or bin). The zippered-top bags keep hay inside, so less cleanup, and reduce the amount of hay dust and allergens exposed to the air. I bought one on Etsy. Also, try to wear gloves when handling the hay and always wash up afterwards to keep from touching your eyes and face later.

Hay is the trade-off we make for having our rabbits but it is possible to manage. Good luck!

[Wick & Fable]

Switching brand can alleviate it as well, in addition to switching type. Every brand grows their hay in different areas, thus the dust in each brand’s hay contains different pollens and aromatics in general. Both myself and Wick sneeze heavily to Kaytee timothy hay, but not as much for Oxbow timothy hay.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[kristen58]

Thank you for your help. I adopted her over 3 years ago, and just always thought timothy hay was what she was supposed to eat and have always bought that. I thought the other types must be for babies or something, didn’t even think about it, lol. Thanks for letting me know, I will try another type when the current bag runs out!

[Wick & Fable]

Alfalfa is for babies, but the world is filled with more than Timothy versus alfalfa

Orchard and oat are also hay alternatives for adults!! They can replace Timothy 100%. Just keep the hay heaps coming

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Author]

Messages