There is a product that is supposedly safe that can be sprayed on birds and pets to prevent their dander from causing problems for allergy sufferers called Allerpet. It is worth checking out. I also have dreadful allergies to birds, but wouldn't think of giving up these precious darlings. I purchase several types of respirators that work just fine. I even sleep in them. A good air cleaner will help but no ionizing. I am heartbroken as my beloved peachfaced lovebird, Thumbelina, passed after having a very efficient ionizing air cleaner across from her cage after two days. It was a tragic loss and I am in deep grief as is my husband. She was his pride and joy. There are excellent HEPA air cleaners but it is best to review them with Consumer Reports as most of them are very ineffective in spite of the rave reviews.
Sep 24, 2009
dander by: Lori
I have an african grey and they are very dusty. I purchased a bird safe medical grade aircleaner. It really has cut down on the dust. Not all of it but its manageable now. Do not buy the ionic air cleaners. They aren't safe for birds.
Sep 23, 2009
Allergy by: Linda
Unfortunately you need to start trying to find Edward a new home. It will take time, and be very careful who you let take him. Ask if you can go over and see where Edward will be living and check out if there are other pets and what kind of home he would be in. Mostly, make sure the new people know how to care for a parrot. If they have never had a parrot, don't let them have Edward until they do some studying about parrots and the Cockatoos.
Cockatoos and the African Grey parrots shed something called powder down off their feathers, and this coats everything around them. A lot of people are allergic to it. You can help by keeping Edward's cage and room very, very clean. Clean his cage and perches every day, vacuumn floor every day and clean blinds and windowsills every day. This will help with the allergies, and you have to be willing to do the work if you are going to keep him. Otherwise, you will need to start trying to find him a good, loving home. Don't give him to the first person who says they want him--make SURE they are the right people for Edward.
Cockatoos are very sensitive birds and hate to be moved around, so do what you can to keep him clean. Hot water will clean his cage and perches and the same with floors and windows. Never use any harmful chemicals around birds as they are very sensitive to chemicals, and can die from things like bleach and ammonia--keep those away from your bird.
Maybe by keeping everything cleaner, you will be able to keep Edward. My heart goes out to you and your family and you and Edward will be in prayers that everything works out.
