allergy friendly hay alternative?

[rachieanne99]

In my current living situation, my guinea pig cage has to be in my bedroom. My allergies are not too fond of this situation. I have tried multiple kinds of hay, but nothing is tolerable. My allergies are getting worse, and I am starting to develop asthma.

Until my living situation improves, would it be ok to use something like this? Oxbow Pet Products | Hay Cakes

any other suggestions?

[katiecavyNC]

Based on their description it does sound like may be a solution for you that keeps you AND your piggies healthier!

Don't have any personal experience though with it - I'd be interested in hearing any feedback from someone who knows more about that product too!

[Percy's Mom]

Actually, hay cakes don't provide the same function as loose hay. Pigs need loose hay to provide a long stem for them to grind their teeth on to keep them in shape.

Have you tried Oxbow Orchard Grass or KM's Bluegrass? Both are usually easier on allergies than timothy.

[rachieanne99]

Originally Posted by Percy's Mom

Have you tried Oxbow Orchard Grass or KM's Bluegrass? Both are usually easier on allergies than timothy.

yup, I have tried both. KM's Bluegrass is better than a lot of others, and it is what I have right now. Unfortunately, it is still pretty awful on me.

[Fay]

All I can think of is either move the guinea pigs elsewhere or perhaps there is medication that will reduce the symptoms?

[this_lil_piggy]

What I would suggest doing is to buy yourself one of the little cheap disposable face masks that people use when they mow grass etc. Put the mask on and divide hay out in little brown paper sacks. Wash your hands when you are done.
Then, each day all you have to do is place a sack in the cage for the pigs, and you come into little or no contact with the hay.
It should help since it is usually the putting hay in that gets particles flying around. Once it is in the pigs cage it is doubtful there is much hay dust going airborne.

I also have allergies, and the km bluegrass doesn't bother me.
I broke down my old cage last night though, and the feline pine that I had in there, that had turned to saw dust has sent me into a full blown allergy attack that has not let up since. UGH. I guess I am going to have to invest in one of the disposable masks for myself.

[TX_2_Pigs]

Originally Posted by this_lil_piggy

Then, each day all you have to do is place a sack in the cage for the pigs, and you come into little or no contact with the hay.

Now there is a nifty idea. Helps with the allergies and gives the piggies fun in opening the bag to get the hay out!