Torn between two worlds..

[Xavier]

The time finally came to give my greys away. This being soon after the departing of my cat and rabbit. Stupid allergies.

I'm completly distraught. My cat was practically my best friend.

Now I think my mom is feeling bad and offering to get me another pet (granted that it isn't allergy-prone or ridiculously expensive.) I'm not sure if i'm ready just yet, but I am looking into another for sometime in the future. I'm thinking maybe a Mali Uromastyx, a vegetarian lizard or a bird. A non-dusty type bird.

The thing is, the type of bird i'm currently obsessed with (cockatiels) are dus-ty! But i'm also not a huge reptile person, although I do really like the mali's..

So I don't really know what to do. If I should get another animal, or if I shouldn't. What do you guys think?? I'm still not sure if i'm ready. But I guess I don't have to get one right now...

[felisdomesticus]

did you try taking any kind of allergy medication? What were you doing to try to manage the issue while the greys were still in your home?

I have major allergies to cats, dogs, dust, pollen, mold, smoke, etc. I also have severe asthma. (I know I'm an idiot for having any kind of animals in this house. I know.)

I take Zyrtec-D twice a day and also Flonase once daily when the allergies are kicking. Oh and I take Singulair every night before bedtime which helps with asthma AND allergies.

I also vaccuum my house daily. I bought the Dyson Animal because I was desperate for a really good vaccuum. I LOVE IT. Seriously. I'm in love with it. It's very expensive, though, and not something that you can just run out and pick up. Any vaccuum with an empty bag or cannister and good suction will do. I also change my pillowcase every single night before bed.

If you haven't tried all of that stuff--there's some food for thought.

I believe that Ekkies are "dust-free" birds. I could be wrong on that one, though. I didn't have any major increase in my allergies when my girl came into my home.

[Xavier]

I'm not the one with the allergies. My parents are.

I think my step-dad is taking Reactin. I'm not sure about my dad. My mom is just getting allergies, and is taking some herbal medicines from the Health Food Store.

We're vacuuming more and more. Just to be safe with my parent's health, I think i'll wait for a 'tiel until i'm older. Maybe another bird. What is the temperment with Ekkies? I'll check out the land of vos later tonight.

[Xavier]

Also, thanks for all of the suggestions on how to clean up the fur/feathers!

And no, you aren't stupid for taking in animals although you have allergies. I'm at high risk of developing allergies when i'm older, but that's not going to stop me! I'd rather clean every day then live a life without a companion.

[felisdomesticus]

Originally Posted by Xavier

I'm not the one with the allergies. My parents are.

I'm sorry. I misunderstood.

Waiting until you're older and out of the house is probably the best thing for now. That way you won't have to stress out about anyone else's allergies or possibly having to rehome more pets.

[Lori L]

Sorry to hear this, didn't your mom just get those 2 greys?? Her allergies must have really bothered her, again sorry it must be a sad time for you.

[melw]

Eckies don't have feather dust as they have an oil gland instead to help preen themselves. They are great birds (mine is chatting away to himself at the moment sitting on me while i type this) have a lovely temperment, talk very well and are also stunning to look at. Do check out the Land of Vos cause they have alot of good info and the forum is great to if you have any questions regarding eckies.
Hope this helps!

[Xavier]

Originally Posted by jetanlori

Sorry to hear this, didn't your mom just get those 2 greys?? Her allergies must have really bothered her, again sorry it must be a sad time for you.

Well, my family is pretty complicated. My cat and rabbit were are my mom's house, we gave them away at the end of January. My dad got the grey's on the 2nd of Jan and we still have them, although we're trying to find a home for them.

Thank you all. I think I might get a Mali, but no bird. I'm good with Aree until I move out.

[poi_lover]

I'm so sorry to hear about your animals. That really stinks. When I was a kid, my mother got rid of my two gerbils and guinea pig because they made me break out in hives. That's probably nothing like losing your cat or your birds, but I can certainly understand how you feel. (((HUGS))))

[BrookR1]

Besides birds, I'm also into tropical fish...more specifically, keeping corals. Check out www.reefcentral.com for some amazing pics.