Dusty or Not?

[OwnedbyMacaws]

As you folks know, I'm strictly a macaw person. I don't know a lot about other species. I've read enough on here to know that "toos, 'tiels, and Greys are considered Dusty. I'm wondering what other birds fit the catagory of 'dusty'?

[Franciscus]

I'm pretty shure that those would be the only ones, of the psittacine variety anyway.

[Monica]

I'll third on that! However, some of the smaller cockatoos aren't quite as dusty as the others. It's mainly the big white toos that are the dustiest. Or maybe it's just mainly the colored toos, such as galahs and the black toos??? Can't say for sure, but I've heard that the smaller toos aren't as dusty as the larger ones...

[The Outlaw]

As a rule, the whiter the bird the more dust they produce. That's why owning a Timneh is like owning a non powder bird but owning a Congo is just like owning tiels or small toos. I know of no other powder birds than toos, tiels and greys.

[OwnedbyMacaws]

Originally Posted by The Outlaw

As a rule, the whiter the bird the more dust they produce. That's why owning a Timneh is like owning a non powder bird but owning a Congo is just like owning tiels or small toos. I know of no other powder birds than toos, tiels and greys.

How interesting. I wonde what it is about the white birds that causes the dust?

[Rue]

...they have special feathers that crumble into dust (powder feathers) which actually many different types of birds have (i.e. herons, pigeons, etc.), they use this dust to groom their feathers - aids in waterproofing among other things...rather than oil glands like yet some other birds use...

Powder down feathers are specialized feathers that shed a white waxy powder composed of keratin. Powder down forms a waterproof barrier for contour feathers. This powder is spread through the feathers when the bird grooms. African Grey parrots, cockatiels and cockatoos produce the greatest amount of powder on their feathers. Powder down can cause irritation to people with respiratory problems and allergies.

[OwnedbyMacaws]

Originally Posted by Rue

...they have special feathers that crumble into dust (powder feathers) which actually many different types of birds have (i.e. herons, pigeons, etc.), they use this dust to groom their feathers - aids in waterproofing among other things...rather than oil glands like yet some other birds use...

Thank you Rue. That answers my question completely!

[Rue]

...no problem...helps me procrastinate while I'm working...

...pictures of the rescues???...

[paultheparrotlover]

Originally Posted by The Outlaw

As a rule, the whiter the bird the more dust they produce. That's why owning a Timneh is like owning a non powder bird but owning a Congo is just like owning tiels or small toos. I know of no other powder birds than toos, tiels and greys.

Really!
That's interesting to know.

Thanks

[Skyebirdsmom]

Those are the only 3 which are powder birds. Unfortunately. I wish more people, breeders, pet shops would inform people that those birds are that way. It will prevent a lot of broken hearts, for people and the birds. At one time I had a CAG and a wonderful little hen cockatiel. I have lung disease and ended up having to rehome them as a result. Lucky for me, a very good friend drove all the way from NM to the coast of NC to get them and take them into her heart and home. But still, I miss them dearly and terribly. Be very cautious if you purchase any powder bird. Not only are they harmful to us, but they can be harmful to other birds in your household...especially macaws.
Linda & Skye~