Hey everyone
I'm new to this board... I was searching for a message board specifically because I have had my mini lop for a year now and he is the sweetest rabbit. The only problem is my husband is allergic to the hay. He has been suffering with the hay for the past year because he knows how much I love Sonny (my rabbit) but its at the point where he doesn't even want to be in the same room because of the allergies. Is there an alternative to hay, or possibly a pill or anything we can do about this? I really want to have them live together happily
Thanks in advance
Hi
Well, your husband could try an allergy medication like Zyrtec which is good for indoor and outdoor allergies.
Also, if you are using hay for bedding then you could switch to straw instead.
If you are using hay as a supplement to the rabbit pellets you are feeding, then you could discontinue it as really the pellets are the most important part of your rabbit's diet.
Pat
http://www.carrollshalfpints.weebly.com
Isn't hay something they need in order to digest?
No not really. Hay is used to increase Fiber in the diet. A way to add roughage. While it's true that Hay is good for their digestive tract especially when in moult, they do not "have" to have it.
The pelleted feed is mostly made of Hay, so they are still getting what they need nutritionally.
To help prevent fur block caused by moulting you can give him Papaya Tablets crumbled onto his feed a few times a week while moulting. It's not expensive and can be found in with vitamin supplements at stores like Walmart or most Drug stores (just ask the Pharmacist where it is). Also a lot on rabbit supply dealers carry it.
Also, if you really want to feed Hay and you've been using the loose Hay, then you might try getting some Hay Cubes instead and see if hubby has any problem with them. We prefer them because they aren't as messy and the rabbits get more of it instead of it falling through the wire floors.
Hope this helps, if you have more questions, please ask away!
Pat
http://www.carrollshalfpints.weebly.com
Pellets are NOT the most important part of a rabbit's diet. They are only supposed to have a limited amount of pellets based on the rabbit's weight and then unlimited hay.
Have you tried the hay cubes instead???
(07-18-2010 06:58 AM)PaJuice612 Wrote: [ -> ]Pellets are NOT the most important part of a rabbit's diet. They are only supposed to have a limited amount of pellets based on the rabbit's weight and then unlimited hay.
Have you tried the hay cubes instead???
Try Orchard Grass from the pet store instead of Timothy Hay. It contains very little pollen.
You can wear gloves and/or wash your hands and arms after handling the hay - cool water and a nice mild soap will help. If you break out in hives you can get a topical benadryl spray or cream for them.
(07-10-2010 01:42 PM)Amajor87 Wrote: [ -> ]Isn't hay something they need in order to digest?
Hay is not needed for nutrition if you have good quality pellets, but chewing hay helps keep their teeth in shape. Try switching to Orchard Grass Hay. Many people who have hay allergies say that they have less symptoms with Orchard Grass.