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Astrid New user Seattle, WA 63 Posts |
I've never had a problem with bird allergies before in my life; I sleep under a down comforter with down pillows, have been in close proximity with many different species of birds, never had a problem. Then the other day I made a trip to an exotic bird sanctuary to look into adopting a parrot for myself and a hycacinth wandered onto my shoulder from one of the many bird pirches around the store. At first I was fine but as soon as this bird decided to show off by flapping his wings slightly I started coughing so hard that I could hardly breath! My question is do different types of birds have different feather dust? May I be allergic to this specific bird, or this species of bird only? I worry because I absolutely adore birds and have been looking to work with them for quite some time. Am I cursed to a birdless solitude??
I'm curious as to whether or not different species of birds have different feather dust, so that a person may be allergic to one species but not another...? |
kaytracy Inner circle Central California 1793 Posts |
Feathers alone are not the culprit for allergies. Proteins, in any of several forms, from sloughing skin (dander/dandruff) to mites in the feathers- now shaken loose with the wing fluffing, and even excrement- in the form of dried miniscule flakes, can set off allergies. (I have to keep my books clean as I am allergic to library dust-more specifically to the mites in the dust!)
It might even be dust from whatever bedding and cage material is used with the birds. I would look into all of the variables before opting out. You might find that one breeder of supplier uses corn cob litter in cages, and another uses a more straw or hay based product. It could even be from the feed supllier- cleanliness of the seed and packaging, OR even local plants, if an open air aviary! to paraphrase badly- look beyond the bird grasshopper! ;} Good luck with the investigation! Kay
Kay and Tory
www.Bizarremagick.com |
mattsharpe New user Paradise, Newfoundland 72 Posts |
Well, I'm allergic to most furred/feathered animals(except dogs), when I got my dove I would get hives when I'd handle him. And when I got my rabbit I would be sneezing for hours after. However, after about a week with both animals, all these symtoms went away and I'm completely tollerant of them now.
This is obviously not the best way, and I don't think there's a doctor out htere that would recomend it, but it might work for you too if you were to give it a try.
Matt
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Astrid New user Seattle, WA 63 Posts |
Thanks for the ideas Kay...That gives me a few ideas for more research (and some hope!!)
Matt....I might just give that a shot if I get desparate! lol |
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