Help, Allergic to piggies hay!

[Ziggy&Herald]

Hi, i've had my pigs for almost a month now, 3 boars, and recently I've started having reactions to the hay. I can be around it with it in the cage, it's when I give them the hay and take it out of the bag! All the dust inside the bag gets stirred up and I start wheezing, coughing, my nose starts running, and recently I've needed an inhaler to calm the side effects. It hasn't always been this bad. Symptoms have progressed over time. I know I read somewhere on these posts that there is a special kind of hay that many people aren't allergic to. Please, if anyone knows let me know! Rehoming the piggies is NOT an option. I've grown too fond of the little things so quickly.

[aaronmeister]

I recently found out that I was allergic to the hay as well. I started buying in bulk and when I was going through it, it would start things up.

I found just being more careful around it putting my shirt over my nose and mouth. Washing my hands throughly after contact. I may end up getting goggles and gloves soon as well. That's really all you can do.

Some people say they use hay cakes but those don't give them the long fiber that they need.

[Haley0489]

I believe Orchard Grass is popular amongst the members with allergies.

[Ziggy&Herald]

Originally Posted by aaronmeister

I recently found out that I was allergic to the hay as well. I started buying in bulk and when I was going through it, it would start things up.

I found just being more careful around it putting my shirt over my nose and mouth. Washing my hands throughly after contact. I may end up getting goggles and gloves soon as well. That's really all you can do.

Some people say they use hay cakes but those don't give them the long fiber that they need.

Thanks so much for your input, I have tried this and it has helped some, I think I am going to buy the masks that alot of landscapers wear, maybe that wont be quite as uncomfortable and silly as walking around with my shirt over my nose. My 5 year old daughter thinks it is hilarious!


Also, thanks Haley for the Orchard Grass pitch. I will look into this as well.

[Ly&Pigs]

KM's bluegrass is a good one for people with hay allergies. It can be ordered at Kleenmama's Hayloft :: Home.

[Ziggy&Herald]

Originally Posted by Ly&Pigs

KM's bluegrass is a good one for people with hay allergies. It can be ordered at Kleenmama's Hayloft :: Home.

Thanks Ly. I actually just looked at her site and ordered a small bag for sample. Hope it works!

[rabbitsncavyluv]

See if anything on here helps http://www.cavyspirit.com/allergies.htm

Many people don't have problems with KM's bluegrass.

[Ziggy&Herald]

Originally Posted by rabbitsncavyluv

See if anything on here helps http://www.cavyspirit.com/allergies.htm

Many people don't have problems with KM's bluegrass.

Thanks so much, this site did help out very much.

[soccermama]

DItto for this for me too! Unbeknownst to me, I'm allergic to the Timothy hay! *sigh* But I do take care to wash my hands EVERY TIME I touch the hay, and after holding piggie. Unfortunately for me i LOVE to lay right beside the cage and get right up by there talking to Theo (which puts my head right there next to the hay!)

So far it isn't TOOOOO horrible. I've been managing with Claritin. We'll see how long that lasts though since I've never been one to like pills... not even Tylenol for headaches!

If it gets to be too tough for me i'll look into that bluegrass hay. thanks for the tip!

[hydrohoki]

I had trouble with timothy but bluegrass worked very well. I've had no problems at all.