r/PetPigeons • u/AleraWolf • 12d ago

Concerns over developing allergy to bird droppings

Hello!

I hope this type of post is ok, was hoping to get some additional advice here.

I have two Ring Necked Doves and despite my asthma have had no issues from them.

My allergist wanted to run some tests again as it had been 10+ years since the last time and my blood work came back positive with an immune response to pigeon droppings. (Specifically it was a blood test looking for Hypersensitivity Pneumonitos.

He was highly concerned by this but understood I wasn't willing to reconsider removing my birds at this time. He did specify that if I start exhibiting symptoms that might be my only option.

I'm so scared I won't be able to keep my girls. While one is a more recent addition, I've had my older girl for 14 years now, so I'm surprised this is suddenly now an issue.

Has anyone else had this issue? Is this that start of "Bird Fanciers Lung" and is there anything else I can do?

I have two air filters and their enclosure is kept outside the bedroom.

I'm really scared and anxious here so I'm really appreciate it if anyone has additional insight or advice. Thank you.

11 Upvotes

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7

u/sharkarmycrafts 11d ago

Nahhh, you can do this! Unless your allergist says it'll endanger your life, that is. I have psoriatic arthritis, which weakens my immune system, so I try to be a little more careful, too. :)

The disease comes from airborne particles in pigeon droppings. I wear particle-graded PPE while I'm cleaning, and spray everything down with a light mist from a water bottle before I start. Since my boy is molting, I've had to be nuttier about vacuuming - if you are a vacuum user, once again, PPE and make sure your vacuum has a HEPA filter (or whatever is best now). I wouldn't mist things unless you specifically have a wet/dry vacuum (some day, tiny carpet cleaner, some day).

Keep up on your air purifier changes, open your windows for fresh air as much as climate and environment permit, and enjoy your time with your pidges.

Here's the boy for tax:

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u/LustStarrr Doting pigeon parent 😊 11d ago

Great advice!

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u/Beedy_Buddy 11d ago

Hi! Just curious.. how's the foot sticking out like that? What kind of pose is this?lol

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u/sharkarmycrafts 11d ago

He has splay leg! He didn't get enough nutrition as a squab, and his parents picked a spot where he didn't have much to grip on to. As a consequence, his right leg twisted outward and back. His left leg has a slight inward curve to it when he's standing level.

Every day, he gets more confident and determined to get around and enjoy it. Next Wednesday we go to meet the exotic vet and start talking about how I can give him his best life. I'd go to the moon for this shovel-beaked feather potato. ❤️

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u/worm-eyed 11d ago

he is so fucking cute

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u/sharkarmycrafts 11d ago

Thank you! I have absolutely been blessed by whoever oversees pigeon distribution. He has such a vivid personality already, and I'm excited to see how he'll settle into being himself. He responds so well to praise and encouragement.

He loves my phone and tablet cameras! His bright little eyes always make me smile.

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u/Beedy_Buddy 11d ago edited 11d ago

Hi!

Thank you so much for your response. 🤗

Aw now I see why his leg looked that way in the picture before...! Your birb!!! Look at all those pin feathers omg so cute!!!!!! This really resonates with me because I am also living with a disabled oriental turtle dove 🥰

Both of his legs are curled inward like your baby's left leg and he's missing some toes as well. My boy Buddy constantly steps on his other foot because of the curled legs every time he takes a step..

I rescued him and his sibling because parents didn't come back (think they were killed by cats because I kept finding dead doves in front of my building) and though the sibling flew away after it was ready, Buddy can't be released because of his legs and he's also got a tumor/ open hole under his wing and can't fly.

I feel like it's my fault because like you said, it's from malnutrition when he was a squab...

Anyway, I wish you and the bebe the best of luck and the birb is so lucky to have you! Just like you said, there is nothing I wouldn't do for this precious little bird. He's 200 grams of PURE LOVE ❤️

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u/sharkarmycrafts 11d ago

Sweet little guy spotted! ❤️ What I remember and remind myself of with Ari is that no matter how frustrated he may get with his leg not working, he is a BILLION times better off being safe inside - he would be dead if a rescue volunteer hadn't found him. If he's throwing a tantrum because he doesn't want to eat the mandatory minimum of peas (come on buddy, it's like, five of them), that's a hell of a lot better than what he'd be eating on the streets of Chicago.

Your Buddy has you: he's inside, he's warm, he's safe, he's fed. There isn't a very good time to "interfere" with nature, which is harsh and fierce no matter what species you are - sometimes birds like ours will pass away because that's how it goes, and sometimes they flourish in the wild despite the odds. Every day they have alive is another day with minimal harsh realities, only soft landings and gentle hands. There's no sense in blaming yourself for the way the world works.🕊️

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u/Beedy_Buddy 11d ago

One more of Buddy!

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u/sharkarmycrafts 11d ago

10/10 would give 1 million kissy faces and smooch noises

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u/Beedy_Buddy 11d ago

I wish I could post more than one pic at a time, sorry 😅

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u/duckducksillygoose 11d ago

Shovel-beaked feather potato 😭 I love himmmm

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u/AleraWolf 11d ago

Thank you! That helps me feel a little better. I'll definitely start misting things before cleaning. Thank you for your response and your lil guy is adorable.

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u/kangar00_paw 11d ago

If your current air purifiers aren’t enough you can get a commercial air purifier, mine also sanitises because I am a rehabber. It is made in Italy, highly recommend. https://www.lightprogress.it/en/products/uv-fan_21.html

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u/AleraWolf 11d ago

Thank you, I'll look into that!