allergic to hay

[cavylady]

I've had my guinea pigs for years and don't plan on rehoming  them but it seems like my allergies to their hay doesn't seem to wanna leave either its nothing super serious,i can still breathe but get itchy skin irritation from it and itchy eyes and throat I'm not a fan of swallowing a pill for every problem but i was wondering what you would do?

[3piggles]

I had a guinea pig with a hay allergy, as weird as that sounds. I used a plant misting bottle, not spray, just mist, and had to pick up the hay in handfuls, and mist each one. That really cut down on the amount of hay allergens that were flying around in the air. I'm also highly allergic to some normal things like bean plant leaves, so had to take precautions when I was near those.

Try wearing a scarf to cover your hair, and an old long sleeved shirt or robe when you touch the hay or clean the cage. Mist the hay before you touch it, and mist any that gets on the floor. Remove the protective clothes, and shake them off or whatever is best for you, then wash your hands and face thoroughly. That's the best I can suggest, and it's what I had to do around the plants that bothered me. Maybe some of the others will some ideas If breathing the hay allergens is a problem, a simple surgical mask should do the job. They aren't very expensive, and you can buy them by the box in pharmacies.

[cavylady]

ive never thought to spray the hay with water but ill definatly give it a try and wow a guinea pig allergic to hay thats crazy lol

[3piggles]

Mist, don't spray. Spraying puts too much water on the hay, and it will get moldy and yucky. Misting bottles are available in florist departments and stores, and just put out a fine mist of water. It's enough to dampen down the flying particles, but not enough to wet the hay.

[cavylady]

Oh I see thank you I'll be misting away than.

[melgo]

Is is a certain type of hay? Timothy Hay vs. 3rd cutting Timothy hay (softer) vs. Orchard Hay? You could do a test with those and see which you react the least to.

[cavylady]

Thank you I'll keep that in mind as well but even grass irritates my eyes.
P.s. I absolutely love the caption of your avatar "meanwhile back at the slumber party" that's adorible.

[3piggles]

That is a great avatar, Melgo, and Melgo is right about trying different types of hay. If you buy from KMS Hayloft or Small Pet Select, you can order 2nd and 3rd cut Timothy. If you buy from a store, even a feed/grain store, you get whatever cut they have in stock at the time. You can buy small quantities of hay from both online stores, and try them. That will give you a better idea if one is worse than others.

Also, hay dust is a major problem, to the extent that Guinea Pig Magazine did a whole article on ways to combat hay dust. I live in a condo, so putting the hay in a big, wire hopper and blowing it with an industrial fan wasn't exactly happening where I share the outdoor lawn with all the other residents. But if the pollen is a problem, after you've tried all the different hays you can find, it may be worth trying. If you can make some sort of wire/mesh container, put the hay inside, and take it outdoors for a good shake, you'll get rid of a lot of the tiny pieces that cause the allergies.

[jolovespiggies]

I used to have hayfever quite badly Cavy Lady love but as I have got older it has gone. Just as well the amount that is in this house. I hope you get better soon.

Hugs
JO xx

[cavylady]

Thank you everyone I will try different cuts I also heard orchard hay has a lot less dust so I will give that a shot.

[jolovespiggies]

Let us know how you get on with it love.

Hugs
Jo xx

[cavylady]

I surely will thank you for the concern!

[jolovespiggies]

You are very welcome love.

Hugs
JO xx