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lungs affected by parrot droppings

Posted by africangreybirds @africangreybirds, May 9, 2022

Has anyone been affected by parrot droppings to the degree that they have lungs full of opacities? Been diagnosed and recommended that I rehome my two parrots which I have had 35 plus years. Not convinced that this is the problem and would like to hear from anyone else who has had this experience

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Mentor
Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | May 9, 2022

I have read over the many years of bird keepers lung. I have always changed my parrots cages every day or every other day because of these stories. I can give you two personal stories about this. Both times I was told my birds had to go and both times it came out that they were not the problem. I did not have psittacosis, and my husband did not have bird keepers lung. I applaud your commitment to your parrots. It is a rare and wonderful thing. I have eight geriatrics in my home, not including the husband. Lol
Did your doctor do a lung lovage? Are they really sure this is the problem, and are you willing and able to do some modifications if necessary to avoid losing your parrots?

REPLY
1 reply
africangreybirds | @africangreybirds | May 9, 2022
In reply to @auntieoakley "I have read over the many years of bird keepers lung. I have always changed my..." + (show)
@auntieoakley

I have read over the many years of bird keepers lung. I have always changed my parrots cages every day or every other day because of these stories. I can give you two personal stories about this. Both times I was told my birds had to go and both times it came out that they were not the problem. I did not have psittacosis, and my husband did not have bird keepers lung. I applaud your commitment to your parrots. It is a rare and wonderful thing. I have eight geriatrics in my home, not including the husband. Lol
Did your doctor do a lung lovage? Are they really sure this is the problem, and are you willing and able to do some modifications if necessary to avoid losing your parrots?

Jump to this post

I was initially diagnosed with Interstitial lung disease and as soon as the Pulmonary MD. found out that I have 2 parrots, he focused on that being the problem. Two tests indicate that I am allergic to the parrot droppings but not the serum and not for canaries, parakeets, cockatiels pidgeons, chickens. I am now wearing gloves and a mask when I am feeding them and changing their paper, etc. MD. said that is not enough and wanted me to separate myself for 2-3months to see if that would make a determination (totally out of the question). I believe my lung condition is a result of chemo treatments for breast cancer since the early symptoms began after completion of treatment. The African Greys are like my kids and I won't just get rid of them without more evidence. Thank you for your input. Will be tested again in June to see if the nasal steroid and gloves and mask are making a difference.

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | May 9, 2022
In reply to @africangreybirds "I was initially diagnosed with Interstitial lung disease and as soon as the Pulmonary MD. found..." + (show)
@africangreybirds

I was initially diagnosed with Interstitial lung disease and as soon as the Pulmonary MD. found out that I have 2 parrots, he focused on that being the problem. Two tests indicate that I am allergic to the parrot droppings but not the serum and not for canaries, parakeets, cockatiels pidgeons, chickens. I am now wearing gloves and a mask when I am feeding them and changing their paper, etc. MD. said that is not enough and wanted me to separate myself for 2-3months to see if that would make a determination (totally out of the question). I believe my lung condition is a result of chemo treatments for breast cancer since the early symptoms began after completion of treatment. The African Greys are like my kids and I won't just get rid of them without more evidence. Thank you for your input. Will be tested again in June to see if the nasal steroid and gloves and mask are making a difference.

Jump to this post

I have to say, that I persisted with a second opinion and even a lung lovage, in order to know for sure.
I know how you feel. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, the oncologist said you have to get rid of the birds. My answer; would you get rid of your child?
I do have a friend who did end up with a problem from droppings. She has someone who comes in every morning who first mists the birds with water to put down the feather dust, then cleans the cages and vacuums the floor.she pays for an hour of housekeeping and keeps her birds.
Some doctors seem to focus on the birds. Have you secured a second opinion in this?

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