Switching off of loose hay

Due to allergy problems in my household that are not being controlled by usual allergy medications, I'm going to be transitioning my rabbits off of loose hay. I did consider wetting the hay so it doesn't float everywhere, but the bunnies won't eat it. I'd like some thoughts on my plan to do this (below) while maintaining enough chewing and fiber in their diet.

My plan is to feed primarily Oxbow Adult rabbit pellets with a few Oxbow hay cakes each day. To supplement this, I'm going to increase the amount of leafy greens (I feed primarily parsley, due to cost and availability) from 2-3 times a week to every day. I am also going to keep a small amount of hay in their cage for them, but it won't be on a free-feed basis. I'm thinking probably the Oxbow Botanical because they do love it and it seems to stick to itself the best out of the hays that they like.

I'm hoping this will maintain enough fiber in their diet for their GI and teeth, without having all the hay particles floating around.

I'm probably going have to fiddle with this depending on their response to the new diet, but I'd appreciate other ideas and input from the community as they pertain to accomplishing this goal.

Note: I realize that free-fed loose hay is optimal for bunny health. I am fully aware. When you comment, please take into consideration that I am a final year veterinary student with full knowledge of my rabbits' needs and I have weighed them with the health of myself and my roommates. In my individual situation, I have decided that switching to a less environmentally allergenic feed situation is the most balanced option. Please respect this and give me advice that actually helps me and doesn't disregard my decision entirely. Thank you.

I am assuming its the hay dust that is flaring allergies? We have horses allergic to hay so we usually put their hay in a rubbermaid container with holes poked in the bottom. We fill the bucket with water and let the water drain out the bottom with the dust and the hay dries and we feed it. So yes we do the after each feeding so its ready for the next.

I am wondering if you could do something similar? Except instead of completely soaking it spray it with a spray bottle so it wets it enough to wash the dust off and it all comes out the bottom then let it dry to feed? I hope I am making sense.

I respect the fact that instead of getting rid of the bunnies you are finding a way to make everyone healthy and happy. Hope you find something that works for everyone

I hope you find an answer. I suffer allergies that are NOT completely controlled by meds/shots. Adding loose hay in the house is a problem. I tried the cakes but my buns gave them the thumbs down. I did move the hay box (50lb bale) to the pool house. I then fill smaller bags & run out of the pool house. I pull hay out of the bag as needed. The bottom is the dust/small stuff I toss in the woods. It keeps some dust out of the house but not as much as you probably need. Anything helps.
Good Luck!

Have you tried different types of hay?
I can't feed Timothy grass, but Orchard grass is manageable.

I'm guessing you're using straight Timothy hay now. Since so many people are allergic to that, the rescue I work with always recommends orchard grass. My brother is SUPER allergic to Timothy hay and since he has switched the orchard grass he has never had issues. Oat hay is also a good alternative, but it's a little higher in calories. I REALLY recommend trying other types of grass hays before taking it away all together. I've never met a person allergic to orchard grass or oat hay.

If that still doesn't work then use 100% timothy hay pellets. This is different then Timothy based rabbit food. It's just pure hay, similar to cubes except way easier for rabbits to eat then cubes since it comes in pellet form. I buy a 40 lbs bag at tractor supply for $15. It's made from horse quality hay as well. Here's the link. http://www.tractorsupply.com/standlee-hay-certified-premium-timothy-grass-hay-pellets-40-lb--5121819

If you don't have a tractor supply near you maybe another store sells something. You can also buy Timothy pellets that are marketed for rabbits online. They are usually more expensive for a smaller amount though. Good luck finding something that works. Your rabbits really do need unlimited hay, even if its not Timothy or comes in a different form.

The hay really bothers my allergies too, so I know how you feel. I'm not sure if this is much help, but I've found to be better when using mostly Oxbow oat hay. You could give this hay a try (if you haven't already) as your supplemental hay, as you described. Good Luck with finding a happy medium between everyone. I'm curious as to how the hay cakes go over, I've been curious if my bunny would like them, but they're more costly so I haven't tried yet.

If orchard grass hay doesn't help, I would grow wheat grass & feed that daily. Or, during the growing season, any long grass.

I do feed orchard hay, presently, but it still aggravates allergies. I was considering the straight timothy pellets, but my buns are already used to, and like, the Oxbow pellets, which are also balanced. I also get them at a discount from our student rep for oxbow, so they're pretty cost effective for me as well! If the rabbits don't go for the hay cakes, I'll probably look into the straight pellets. I imagine I'll probably spend the next month or so fiddling with this to get the optimum set up.

Thank you, everyone, for your ideas! I appreciate them, and the respect with which they were given!

You would feed the straight hay pellets in addition to their ration of oxbow for the day. It's just a supplement instead of loose hay.

Gotcha. I think I'll do that in lieu of the haycakes if the bunnies end up disliking them. I'd prefer the haycakes since they aren't as finely processed, but if they won't eat them that's hardly any good now, is it?

We dumped the Timothy in favor of Orchard Grass--much better now as it doesn't trigger our allergies.