Wanting a Cockatiel--but allergies

[ryan112390]

Hi. I'm new here and am an 18 year old male.
For much of my early life, my family had cockatiels--from the time I was born to the age of 6, we had my father's pearl cockatiel, Louie, who my dad had for ten years before I was born. After she passed, we had Peaches for a very short time; she became ill and died after not too long. Around two years later, we had Cedric, whom we had for a year but lost due to a family friend's opening of my front door at a bad moment, and afterward for 4 years we had Nibbles. For about a year, we also had a parakeet, she was given away last year. In all that time, as far as I can remember, I never had any problems (maybe other than some eye tearing, not sure)...

However--I am allergic to dust--not specifically bird dust, just general dust. The problem used to give me ear infections as a child and was thought to be related to cat litter, whcih led to my family giving away our cat. For many years, the allergy subsided (except at times in the presence of cats). However, over the last or so, it's come back with a vengence: I've gotten hives (not all over the place, just one or two weals on the arms) when around dust, especially wood dust.

I'm worried that because my dust allergy seems to have returned or intensified, that I might be in danger when around a cockatiel (because of the feather dust), since I would be now the primary caregiver of the bird and it's cage would be located in my bedroom, but I really want one. Can an allergic reaction to bird dust prove fatal or are they just more annoyances than anything truly dangerous?

You guys probably know a lot more than me, what do you think? Would I be in any danger or should I get a cockatiel?

[Aries]

Hi! Well I understand you longing for a tiel. they are such lovely birds. just being allergic to one dust does not mean you will be allergic to tiel dust. It is certainly not the same thing as wood dust since it is just feather down. As far as fatal probably not though it does put you more at risk for bird fanciers lung. Normally you wont get bird fanciers from having just a few birds if you keep things clean but if you have severe allergies your lungs could have a reaction known as bird fanciers disease but it is extremely rare. Though we should all take precautions against it even if not allergic. My suggestion would be to find a breeder who will let you spend time around their birds. Or anyone that has birds or tiels. That would be the best way to find out. Though if you have allergies an air purifier sure goes a long way. Especially with birds. Invest in a good one and most say it will pretty much take care of the tiel dust. Also a hepa vacuum cleaner and vacuuming everyday will keep your allergies in check also and keeping things clean is always healthier for you and the birds. Though I'm sure you already knew that. Good luck. :)

[nmrspindoc]

Or, look into a less dusty bird. Cockatiels are one of the worst for dust. A conure would be a better choice from a dust standpoint, but not a noise standpoint. =) (Of course, hang around some to see if you develop a reaction or not.) And there are other similar sized birds that might fit the bill (ha ha) as well, but I can't think of any at the moment!

[tielfan]

You could consult an allergist. The test battery includes one for bird allergy. I flunked a lot of the plant-allergy tests but I passed all the ones for animal allergies including birds. Once they've identified your specific problems they can tell you whether allergy shots or some other treatment would help.

[amanda143]

Where do you live? If you live near Dallas Fort Worth you could come over here and see for yourself. hehe

[birdlover912]

My tiel Lady can be very dusty. If I keep up with cage cleaning, vacuuming, and give her baths often, her dust isn't so bad. That being said, tiels are one of the most dusty birds out there...maybe look into conures as another member suggested? My conure boys aren't very dusty at all--but nobody in our home has allergies. They love taking frequent baths, cutting back on the dust even further.

Whatever you decide, you should spend time around the bird for awhile before you make your final decision.

[Duky]

I know I'm biased...but why not get a green cheek conure, they're hypoallergenic :)

[skthurley]

I definitely know your pain. Though I may not be allergic to dust, I have found myself developing allergies over the past few years. I am now allergic to rabbits, guinea pigs, cows and cats. I used to be allergic to nothing. Now I start sneezing severely and get really itchy wrists and red hives on my neck if I handle the animal at all.

Thus far I have had no problems with my two birds. I have a male pacific parrotlet and a female lineolated parakeet. I bathe them 2 to 3 times a week, clean their cages every other day and duster buster/vaccum around their cages every day. It doesn't take a lot of time, but I've had my parrotlet for 6 months and linnie now for 2 months... and no allergy issues *knock on wood*

If I were you, I would spend time with friends or local breeders who have birds. Cockatiels are very dusty... right up there with the larger birds like greys and cockatoos. I personally would try something smaller like a lineolated parakeet, budgie/parakeet, parrotlet, lovebird, etc.

With whatever you decide, invest in a HEPA air filter. They are amazing at filtering the dust and dirt from the air, and work wonders for people with sensitive lungs and allergies. I don't have one yet, but it is on my wishlist.

And be sure to offer your bird a bathing dist in it's cage, on it's playstand... and mist or bathe it everyday. This will keep the dust down to a bare minimum. And as I already mentioned, vaccum up any dust, food, or feathers every evening, and cleaning the newspaper and dust int he cage every day. Proper hygiene will help keep any debris from building up and save your any heartache.

Good luck!

[Tom Lawless]

I think advice on a good HEPA air filter is a good idea for anyone with an allergy.

Years ago I had cockatiels. They were far dustier than my Hahns Macaw or African Grey (also a little dusty) but I also didn't give them showers and they didn't like baths.

I know others have recommended conures but I am going to too. They may be less dusty and are really great birds. There is a Cinnamon/Pineapple Green Cheek Conure at my local bird store that I am totally taken with.

I love cockatiels and understand why you might want one. Is there anywhere you can go to spend some time with them to see if you have become sensitive to them (or any other bird you may consider)? Bird allergies may not directly kill you, although I suppose they could if severe, but any allergy can really wear down your resistance and leave you open to catching any cold/flu/illness that is going around.

I'm not saying don't get a parrot but proceed with caution to make sure it is a good fit for you.

BTW - Parrotlets are great little parrots.

[tabooh]

Originally Posted by ryan112390

Hi. I'm new here and am an 18 year old male.
For much of my early life, my family had cockatiels--from the time I was born to the age of 6, we had my father's pearl cockatiel, Louie, who my dad had for ten years before I was born. After she passed, we had Peaches for a very short time; she became ill and died after not too long. Around two years later, we had Cedric, whom we had for a year but lost due to a family friend's opening of my front door at a bad moment, and afterward for 4 years we had Nibbles. For about a year, we also had a parakeet, she was given away last year. In all that time, as far as I can remember, I never had any problems (maybe other than some eye tearing, not sure)...

However--I am allergic to dust--not specifically bird dust, just general dust. The problem used to give me ear infections as a child and was thought to be related to cat litter, whcih led to my family giving away our cat. For many years, the allergy subsided (except at times in the presence of cats). However, over the last or so, it's come back with a vengence: I've gotten hives (not all over the place, just one or two weals on the arms) when around dust, especially wood dust.

I'm worried that because my dust allergy seems to have returned or intensified, that I might be in danger when around a cockatiel (because of the feather dust), since I would be now the primary caregiver of the bird and it's cage would be located in my bedroom, but I really want one. Can an allergic reaction to bird dust prove fatal or are they just more annoyances than anything truly dangerous?

You guys probably know a lot more than me, what do you think? Would I be in any danger or should I get a cockatiel?

If I were you and know that you are allergic, then NO! I am allergic to tiels also, and believe me it got so bad that I had gotten very sick, even with cleaning the cage every day/vac/constant cleaning didn't work!