CAGs dust too much?

heismanwatch · Jun 11, 2011

Is it going to be a problem for an elderly member of the family in the house that's on oxygen? (This person was / is an avid bird lover that owned over 50 pairs of cockatiels, parakeets, finches, and canneries.) I know he'll say it won't be a problem, but what's our reality?

Is it toxic or normal dusting?

Any input on this topic is highly appreciated, and/or point me in the right direction.

MJJean · Jun 11, 2011

I'd think one bird would be ok as long as you keep the house and cage clean and make sure to keep your furnace filter changed regularly. If you're really worried you could also get an air purifier for the room the bird is mostly in.

heismanwatch · Jun 11, 2011

MJJean said:
I'd think one bird would be ok as long as you keep the house and cage clean and make sure to keep your furnace filter changed regularly. If you're really worried you could also get an air purifier for the room the bird is mostly in.

Thanks for the input.

Is the CAG dusting any more toxic than normal dust?

Just curious.

MJJean · Jun 11, 2011

For people with sensitive lungs I would say yes. But, again, keeping the home clean, keeping the bird and bird cage clean and keeping up on filtration makes the danger much less. I'd suggest speaking with your elderly family members doctor to make sure, though, as every human is different.

I was an asthmatic child , diagnosed at 5 and on daily meds and an inhaler I used during attacks. When I was about 12 my mom decided to have a couple birds, but my dad was a neat freak so it never caused me any problems.

rlchic93 · Jun 11, 2011

I wouldn't say it is more toxic I would just say it is more abundant. If you can one if the best things to di is to put an air purifier by your birds cage. But normal cleaning, vacuuming, and showering or misting your bird are some of the best things you can do.

heismanwatch · Jun 11, 2011

I was definitely going to speak with his doctor, but wanted to see if others on this forum had similar case scenarios or experiences.

He doesn't suffer from asthma, but may have mild allergies at times.

rlchic93 · Jun 11, 2011

The dust they give off can affect allergies

MikeyTN · Jun 11, 2011

IF you have an elderly on oxygen, I wouldn't advice a Grey! They're very dusty birds along with Cockatoos and Cockatiels. They have what you called a Powder Dust. That's how I got two of my Cockatiels, they came from a home with the same situation and it was bothering the elderly mother of the family. But all birds creates dust, you have to keep it completely separated in a spare room with a air purifier running 24/7 and daily bathing of the bird. That needs to be a room where you can go in to spend lots of time with the bird cause you will have to keep the door closed. That's why you need a bird that's self-sufficient, unlike a Grey that can be demanding.

stephend · Jun 11, 2011

If it turns out that he cannot keep a normal bird, a rescue who has plucked himself permantly bare might be a solution.

heismanwatch · Jun 11, 2011

Then what parrot is recommended under these circumstances?

Just curious.

Spiritbird · Jun 12, 2011

Some interesting reading here.
Birdkeepers lung : Bird Chatter

heismanwatch · Jun 12, 2011

Spiritbird said:
Some interesting reading here.
Birdkeepers lung : Bird Chatter

Great stuff, and thanks.

pittiepride · Jun 13, 2011

It seems that a smaller less demanding species might be better for your family member that a CAG which is a huge commitment in time, space and money. Maybe look around for older birds. As well, what are the plans for the bird, is he looking for a bird to go everywhere with or a bird that sits in a cage, a bird that sings, talks or just looks pretty? Where does he want the bird to live? Who will take care of the bird in the future? All things to consider. As well the larger parrots require fresh food prepared and not just a standard seed diet. Who will be cleaning and caring for the bird...
Kara

heismanwatch · Jun 17, 2011

pittiepride said:
It seems that a smaller less demanding species might be better for your family member that a CAG which is a huge commitment in time, space and money. Maybe look around for older birds. As well, what are the plans for the bird, is he looking for a bird to go everywhere with or a bird that sits in a cage, a bird that sings, talks or just looks pretty? Where does he want the bird to live? Who will take care of the bird in the future? All things to consider. As well the larger parrots require fresh food prepared and not just a standard seed diet. Who will be cleaning and caring for the bird...
Kara

What's a small and less demanding species in your opinion?

Just curious, and thanks in advance.

MikeyTN · Jun 17, 2011

It really depends on the individual bird! All birds are different like people. I really am not a Conure person since I've had them in the past. The only ones I can tolerate are the smaller types like the Green Cheeks. I had a Jenday and a Nanday that drove me up the walls screaming all day everyday. I left them with my best friend when I moved, he likes them anyway, plus the Nanday chose him from day one. I never wanted another Conure since. My most beloved birds is my Eclectus pair, they're not like any birds I've ever owned, wonderful birds to have around!!!! But we love all of our birds unconditionally.

heismanwatch · Jun 17, 2011

MikeyTN said:
It really depends on the individual bird! All birds are different like people. I really am not a Conure person since I've had them in the past. The only ones I can tolerate are the smaller types like the Green Cheeks. I had a Jenday and a Nanday that drove me up the walls screaming all day everyday. I left them with my best friend when I moved, he likes them anyway, plus the Nanday chose him from day one. I never wanted another Conure since. My most beloved birds is my Eclectus pair, they're not like any birds I've ever owned, wonderful birds to have around!!!! But we love all of our birds unconditionally.

Are Eclectus known to be big dusters? Just curious.

mtdoramike · Jun 17, 2011

Do you think that all the birds he kept in the past might be the cause for him being on oxygen now? I would advise to stay away from birds entirely. You already know going in that their might be a problem. The shelters are full of birds from owners with good intentions, but bad foresight.

heismanwatch · Jun 17, 2011

mtdoramike said:
Do you think that all the birds he kept in the past might be the cause for him being on oxygen now? I would advise to stay away from birds entirely. You already know going in that their might be a problem. The shelters are full of birds from owners with good intentions, but bad foresight.

It was 20 years ago, that he raised birds. He smoked a 1/2 a pack cigs per day away from the family, which we all know was the issue six months ago. He actually went to the heart and lung doctor for his six month check up today, and was cleared of most of his meds. (Doctor was shockingly surprised that his lungs were functioning normal now.)

Strange that someone who really wasn't addicted to smoking just did it out of habit, and when he found out he had bacterial pneumonia in November, he just quit. He went from "oh no" to "just fine" in six months. Needless to say we are thankful and extremely surprised for his 180 degree turnaround.

CAGs dust too much?

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member

Banned

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member

Supporting Member

New member

Companion

Taking a Grey outside?

Similar threads