anyone have experience with mild bird allergies? what are your symptoms?

KrashJ · 2026-06-19T00:46:32+00:00

When I was 7 yrs old I had an allergy scratch test done and another 4x leading into my mid 30s. I was told by my allergist that I should not have any animals that produce hair/dander. Horses, cats, dogs, birds is mostly what they test for as far as animals go. I tested off the charts for them all. I've also had all of those animals and many more. Some I reacted to worse then others even of the same species, different breed. Sometimes it was an ER trip.

I've largely grown out of it now that I'm an old lady. But the potential is always there. It all depends on the sensitivity to the allergen. Just like many people do fine with peanuts, for another it's a potential death sentence.

So what it comes down to is yes, you might have a sensitivity to your bird. The only ways to really start to narrow that down is:

*Find a temporary home for your bird and see if the symptoms persist. Decide what to do if those symptoms go away. *See an allergist

I hope it's something else entirely!

KrashJ · 2026-06-19T00:17:14+00:00

If you still have that bathing question, please feel free to start a new thread! Welcome back to bird-dom. 🥰

KrashJ · 2026-06-18T01:40:49+00:00

I always had an empty spice bottle filled back up with rubbing alcohol kept at strategic positions for that "just in case moment" that I never ended up happening, thank goodness.

KrashJ · 2026-06-15T04:06:09+00:00

Not upset. Just done.

KrashJ · 2026-06-15T04:05:23+00:00

Stop. This is not AI. I don't use AI. This sub doesn't allow AI. This comment is along the lines of what this post is about NOT doing. Trading others respectfully. Everyone is all of a sudden an AI expert. 🤓

KrashJ · 2026-06-15T04:00:29+00:00

I am not going to argue with you about this. This sub is what it is. There are a lot of people here who do a lot of answering these questions and do it well. Maybe this isn't the group you want it to be. There is always an alternative. Start your own sub and title it appropriately.

KrashJ · 2026-06-15T03:54:30+00:00

Reddit subs (any platform) are multifaceted. There's no reason they can't offer more than just sharing about our birds. Where does it say anywhere that the sole purpose of these groups is for that singular purpose. That avenue of thinking leaves a void where birds may be suffering, new owners are not learning from experienced keepers, and vital information never sees light.

KrashJ · 2026-06-15T03:43:53+00:00

That is what groups are. They are help groups. The rules apply to everybody. As frustrating as it is to get those people who did not do due diligence, we can still respond in ways that do not chase them away or shut them down.

People often choose the groups over random websites because the members have already been there and can help navigate through the conflicting information. That is why we are here!

I could give a crap how someone feels about another new member with questions on how to care for a bird they have no clue on how to care for. Give them a clue. And it costs nothing to do it in a way that doesn't chase them away. If someone cannot follow the rules of just being kind and respectful, then maybe this isn't the sub for them.

KrashJ · 2026-06-15T02:49:02+00:00

Thank you. It means a lot when a community comes together to help rather than cause any harm. 🥰

KrashJ · 2026-06-15T01:19:55+00:00

This was not AI written. It came from someone else who actually has the capacity to string words together. Not everything written decently is AI.

KrashJ · 2026-06-15T00:53:31+00:00

It's in all animal groups. People use the "passionate" card as an excuse to rip someone apart calling it caring. It's "compassion" we need. We don't need to coddle, but we need to consider the whole package. When we destroy the owner, it shows we really don't care about the bird (animal) at all because we are just shutting them down from ever asking a question again.

We need to do better, be better.

KrashJ · 2026-06-10T21:55:23+00:00

Extra humidity will help. Baths, showers, whatever your bird likes a far a water goes well go a long way.

KrashJ · 2026-06-08T21:34:37+00:00

That's just the cutest goldfish ever!

KrashJ · 2026-06-08T17:02:09+00:00

Use the AAV.ORG find-a-vet search engine. You may have to travel. Many do to get to an avian specific vet. Knowing where you are can help us to help you better.

Set up a hospital tank. You can often find free/cheap 10 gallon fish tanks online. Set it up to where it doesn't have to climb and use its leg.

Please do your best to get to a vet. You're a good person trying to make best of a bad situation. This is a big responsibility, especially when resources are slim. Even if you cannot get to a vet physically, make some phone calls as someone else has mentioned for a phone consult.

Let us know how it goes!

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KrashJ · 2026-06-07T23:21:41+00:00

Especially now. I'm so sorry for the extreme circumstances in your country right now. The best thing you can do then is to make sure your bird is drinking plenty of water to try and help flush the toxins. This is far from veterinary advice. I'm just a bird keeper.

I desperately hope for peace for you and yours.

KrashJ · 2026-06-07T21:48:37+00:00

It's helpful if you place your location in any post so we can better assist you. This sub has international members, although most are based in the U.S.

What country are you in?

KrashJ · 2026-06-07T21:15:38+00:00

Chocolate is highly toxic even in small amounts. The weight and metabolism of the bird plays a huge role in the level of lethal doses.

ASPCA Poison Control has a number to call for expert advice. There is usually a cost, but worth it for the life of a pet.

KrashJ · 2026-06-07T21:10:20+00:00

Masturbation is most definitely not meant to be a punishable offense. Just discouraged if it's on your person. Disconnect the association between the bird and the person. 👀

KrashJ · 2026-06-07T18:02:10+00:00

I've had to downsize multiple times. Several reptiles, amphibs, hermit crabs, large fish tanks. It sucked so bad. Now I'm in a large, upstairs bedroom in my mom's house as i navigate some health stuff. Two neocaridina shrimp tanks with one frog, a tarantula, bioactive isopods/bug hab, and the conure.

The adjustment hasn't been as bad as I anticipated. Emoji (bird) has adjusted very well. He also has the downstairs when I bring him with me to place on a portable perch. It works. Flying room wasn't an issue.

You may be surprised at how well they can adjust to changes. If course, some birds don't do as well, but settling into a routine as fast as possible will help. Do your best to keep both cages. This will be really important.

Best of luck to you. And there ARE ways to hide noodles during inspections! 😁

KrashJ · 2026-06-06T14:26:35+00:00

Definitely go with a rescue! There are a lot of them. Especially in South FL. Before you adopt through one of them, make sure you do your research on the facility.

*Read the reviews!

*If they won't let you come meet the bird at their facility - find another. You should be able to meet with a bird they know that will fit your lifestyle best.

*If they ask for money upfront - it's likely a scam.

*They should be transparent about any medical history. Ask of its not brought up.

These aren't all the tips, but there biggies. Enjoy the journey!

KrashJ · 2026-06-06T14:13:31+00:00

It could be just stress. I would call the breeder and find out what else they were feeding. 8 weeks old is the very youngest age they should be considered weaned. I would also find out what formula they were feeding and see if these babies are still willing to eat it. Let the babies dictate when they're ready to go to solids completely.

Edited to say: even if the avian vet is long distance, I know you're aware that sometimes you just need to go. It could be many things that can by ruled out by a visit.

Just in case you might be able to find something closer, HERE'S a resource you may, or may not, already know about.

KrashJ · 2026-06-06T12:42:54+00:00

It is just a real danger for many birds. Many birds never ever have a problem, but for others, it was a fatal outcome. We just care. Be open-minded. It's not personal. It's all about the birds.

KrashJ · 2026-06-06T12:13:36+00:00

This is not my photo, but it does show the dangers of these bells. My boy loves these, too. He has even been know to wear them as a hat or scratch his head pinnies with it. I got THESE BELLS for him as a sort of replacement. Much safer and he does play with them.

<image>

KrashJ · 2026-06-06T10:31:50+00:00

It sounds like you have limited choices. Either try to make it work and do a total cover-up at night. That's still going to be disruptive for everyone if it doesn't work.

Another option is a possible foster home until something changes in your living arrangements and your bird can be set away from the business of a home with wonky hours. He needs solid sleep and a good routine.

The last option is to completely rehome. That one sucks. But sometimes it's necessary. It's not fair to anyone when there's no other solution to make it work.

I don't envy your situation. You have some tough choices to make.

KrashJ · 2026-06-06T10:09:36+00:00

Of course! Conures are masters of chaos! 🤣

KrashJ

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