New World species allergic to Old World species' dust

While Raven was at the vet, he also told me some news about allergies that I did not particularly want to hear. On top of the issue mentioned in my other post about Raven, he is also most likely having a reaction to the feather dust produced by his little bff Griffin ! ...and also Robin ...AND the budgies! This allergy could be stressing his immune system by long term exposure.

He said most of the Old World parrot species (with the exception of the tropical species like Eclectus and lories) have major DUST production! Cockatoos, Cockatiels, and Greys being the worst as we know, but apparently most other Old World species (especially African and Australian) including my Pois and budgies, have a significant amount of dust as well (yes... I can tell you it's true by looking at my furniture a day after dusting).

I thought Raven had a good amount of dust himself, but from what my vet said, the New World species (countries in the Americas - North, Central, and South), can be adversely affected by the dust of the OW species, as they don't have the tolerance for it since they are inherrently less dusty birds. Raven is a South American species. He is always sneezing and scratching his nares. . I've heard of Macaws being affected by Cockatoos in the same room, but obviously it's not just those species.

After I clean, I do notice dust settling very quickly again where the birds are. I dust and vacuum often, run a HEPA air purifier 24/7, give them showers once or twice a week I know, I know... But NOW, whether they like it or not (they hate it) they're getting one daily or nearly daily regardless! AND I will be getting an additional air purifier. The one I have is 'supposed to be' more than enough for the square footage in here, but as quickly as it gets clogged with dust and how hard it has to work, I think I definitely need another one. This is an EYE OPENER for sure :52:!

Silly question here... Where might one research what birds exactly are old world vs new?

North America and South America are new world. Everything else is old world.

Doublete said:

Silly question here... Where might one research what birds exactly are old world vs new?

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I couldn't find a "list" for you, I looked , but for example, the New World species off the top of my head would be: Macaws, Conures, Amazons, Pionus, Caiques, Quakers, parrotlets... Old World: Greys, Cockatoos, Cockatiels, Poicephalus, Vasa, Lovebirds, Budgies, Psittacula (Ringneck family), Eclectus, Lories...

This is an interesting article too... New World Parrots: Conures, Amazons, Macaws & More - Pet Birds by Lafeber Co.

Rockford said:

North America and South America are new world. Everything else is old world.

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I was thinking she was asking not the countries, since I mentioned in the OP, but a list of which species are from what region?

Bathing helps a great deal to keep the dust manageable. I've always bathed my greys every other day and they love it and the dust is under control. My other bird has done well (a gcc) no adverse effects.

Wow, Julie. I'd only heard of feather dust being an issue for macaws and eclectus, but your vet's theory does make sense. I hope that the extra precautions help.

RavensGryf said:

Doublete said:

Silly question here... Where might one research what birds exactly are old world vs new?

Click to expand...

I couldn't find a "list" for you, I looked , but for example, the New World species off the top of my head would be: Macaws, Conures, Amazons, Pionus, Caiques, Quakers, parrotlets... Old World: Greys, Cockatoos, Cockatiels, Poicephalus, Vasa, Lovebirds, Budgies, Psittacula (Ringneck family), Eclectus, Lories...

This is an interesting article too... New World Parrots: Conures, Amazons, Macaws & More - Pet Birds by Lafeber Co.

Click to expand...

Well that is interesting... Thank you!

Fascinating subject, Julie! It seems you are doing everything possible to mitigate the situation.

If you are seeking additional air purifiers, have you researched the best brands? I know they are not all created equally, and you need the most effective machines possible. The real $$ cost of purification in the long run is the replaceable filters, not to mention the obvious health concerns.

That is very interesting info, thank you for sharing, Julie.
I swear, it seems more dust and dander comes off my finches than anyone. The air purifier in that room gets the filter washed every day. I'm going to have to do some research to see where all the varieties come from.

LeaKP said:

Bathing helps a great deal to keep the dust manageable. I've always bathed my greys every other day and they love it and the dust is under control. My other bird has done well (a gcc) no adverse effects.

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I think it would help, although my vet says it does not help significantly. How could it not?! I guess if birds were only misted, it might not be as affective as a thorough soak...

Scott said:

Fascinating subject, Julie! It seems you are doing everything possible to mitigate the situation.

If you are seeking additional air purifiers, have you researched the best brands? I know they are not all created equally, and you need the most effective machines possible. The real $$ cost of purification in the long run is the replaceable filters, not to mention the obvious health concerns.

Click to expand...

I thougt it was interesting too... I also just assumed it was certain species that were more at risk, and never thought twice about the little best friends Raven and Griffin, who's ancestors are from vastly different habitats. The two boys are bonded, there is no way I can keep them apart.

Scott, I have a recent model HEPA by Honeywell 060 model?... Supposed to take care of particles as small as mold and other allergens. I need to clean it more often, and at least get another same thing, if not another of a different brand.