10 Things You Need to Know Before Adopting a Bird Birds are not domesticated animals. Domestic animals are animals that have been bred for hundreds of years to live in the care of humans and are distinct from their wild ancestors. Birds commonly kept as pets are no different than their wild relatives – they are the native species of other countries. Chlamydiosis (psittacosis) and avian tuberculosis can be transmitted through the air from birds to humans. These diseases can cause significant illness, especially for people with compromised immune systems. Birds also continually shed “feather dust” – particles of feathers, which may aggravate asthma in some people. Many homes with pet birds have HEPA-type air filters in rooms with birds to control allergies from bird dander. Parrots, including lovebirds, parakeets, and cockatiels, are noisy and messy, and can be destructive. Vocalizing (squawking, chirping, talking) is an important part of any parrot’s social communication.

Birds eat continually throughout the day, dropping and discarding bits of food everywhere. Birds are instinctively programmed to chew and shred wood, whether it is a perch, toy, picture frame, or furniture. Birds will also chew electrical cords, paper, and curtains. All parrots have long life spans. Depending on species, they may live 20 to 50 years or more. Caring for a bird is often a life-long responsibility. Parrots are extremely social animals, and have been compared to human toddlers in the needs of their emotional and social lives but, unlike children, they never grow up. Birds are active and inquisitive and must be provided with ample room to move about and play. An indoor or sheltered outdoor aviary or a flight safe room (windows covered, no cats/dogs, no ceiling fans, etc.) that will allow the bird(s) to fly is good for exercise. Birds with clipped wings can get exercise by climbing, swinging, and flapping, if provided with ample space, toys, and climbing structures.

All birds need a varied diet, not just seeds or pellets, but grains, beans, fruits and vegetables too. Light exposure and sleep are very important to birds. Birds need at least 4 hours exposure to UVA and UVB rays from sunlight or full-spectrum lighting to provide them with vitamin D, which promotes vitamin A absorption, critical for upper respiratory health. Birds must have a minimum of 10 hours of sleep each night. Birds are very sensitive to air quality. Unlike humans, a bird replaces nearly all the air in its lungs with each breath. data center air purifierBecause no residual air is left in the lungs during the ventilation cycle of birds, they transfer more oxygen and more pollutants during each breath. air purifier combo packBirds should never be exposed to tobacco smoke, chemical fumes (hairspray, cleaners, etc.), or Teflon coated materials. air purifier for house with cats

Exposure to some toxic inhalants can cause immediate death; chronic exposure to other toxic can lead to premature death. Birds need veterinary care from a veterinarian that specializes in birds. Proper vet care for birds can be expensive. Your vet will probably recommend a complete examination and diagnostic tests when you first acquire your bird; in addition, she/he will probably recommend annual well-bird examinations. Smaller birds require the same vet care and regular examinations. This text was prepared by Monica Engebretson, Grassroots Coordinator, Animal Protection Institute. Please copy, distribute and utilize this document in its entirety for the benefit of all companion birds in your care. More in Bird Adoption Choosing a Feathered Friend Get tips about adopting the right companion bird before you adopt. 10 Things You Need to Know Before Adopting a BirdMany people think that the hair or fur on their pet is the source of allergies. Actually, the source is a protein found in pet dander.

When your body develops a sensitivity to pet dander, exposure to the allergen will release histamine and allergy symptoms will develop. Symptoms include itchy eyes, rashes, a runny nose, congestion, hoarseness, wheezing, and sneezing. You can control pet allergies with frequent cleaning, a HEPA vacuum cleaner, an air purifier, allergy bedding, and special pet allergy products. Our beloved pets provide us with many health benefits. The Center for Disease Control states that owning a pet can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and feelings of loneliness. Millions of pet owners are allergic to their furry and feathered friends, and the most common pet allergen is cat dander. Approximately 10 million Americans are allergic to their cats. Cat dander is one of the smallest and lightest allergens. That means that the dander easily spreads out to every corner of your house or apartment. Cat dander can float in the air for hours at a time, and it can be found in homes months after a cat has moved away.

Read our Allergy Sufferer's Guide to Living with Cats for more information on dealing with this allergy. While not as common as cat allergies, dog allergies have separated many dog owners from their best friends. Fifteen to thirty percent of allergy sufferers have allergic reactions to either cats or dogs. Allergens can come from any animal with fur or feathers, including cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, hamsters, mice, gerbils, rats, guinea pigs, horses, goats, cows, chickens, ducks, and geese. Reptiles and fish do not cause allergies, because they have scales instead of skin. However, if you have a fish tank, make sure that it does not become a source of mold allergen. Some dogs are considered "hypoallergenic" (less allergenic) because they do not shed as often. Poodles, Airedales, and schnauzers shed their skin every 20 days or so, while other breeds like basset hounds and German shepherds shed their skin every three or four days. Unfortunately, even "hypoallergenic" dogs produce dander and will cause reactions in sensitive individuals.

When it comes to cats, a company called Allerca claims to have genetically engineered the world's first scientifically-proven hypoallergenic cats. If these are still out of the question, you always have fish, turtles and even the occasional frog to fall back on! Allergen Avoidance is the key to successfully controlling pet dander, allergy symptoms from dander, and pet allergies. You can temporarily relieve symptoms with anti-histamines and over-the-counter medications; but until you eliminate the cause of the allergic reactions, you will continue to experience allergy symptoms. If you are allergic to a pet, it is important to set up allergy-free zones in your home where the pet is not allowed. You should keep the pet out of your bedroom and definitely out of your bed. However, you still will want allergy relief bedding on your bed, because animal dander will inevitably make it into your bedroom even if the pets do not. The extremely small size of some pet dander, particularly that of cats, makes it light enough for it to easily become airborne.

Air purifiers not only eliminate pet dander, but they also eliminate other forms of indoor air pollution that can worsen pet allergy symptoms. represents the top brand air purifier manufacturers including Austin Air, Blueair, IQAir, and Honeywell. Air filters for your furnace and vents will keep pet dander from circulating into clean air. HEPA vacuum cleaners like the Miele Kona trap pet dander and other allergens. Anti-Allergen Solution helps to denature (inactivate) allergens in carpet. Vacuum attachments allow you to suck up dander in all those hard-to-reach places. You may want to wear an allergy mask while vacuuming since it stirs up allergens in the carpet. Allergen Wash will destroy allergens in your laundry. Immunotherapy is another option for treating pet allergies. Immunotherapy involves the allergy sufferer receiving a series of injections (allergy shots) over a long period of time in order to build up a tolerance to a particular allergen. However, allergy shots do not work for everyone, and they are very expensive.

Another way to lessen the impact of pet dander is to groom your pet frequently (at least once every two weeks) to keep allergens at a minimum. anti-allergen pet shampoos & cleaners help control pet dander. The Power Paw vacuum attachment makes hypoallergenic pet grooming easy. One of our allergy tips is that if someone living in the house has a pet allergy, it is best to do the grooming outdoors. You also can limit pet dander by paying closer attention to your pet's diet. The addition of some natural fat to their diet will help clear up dry skin and minimize dander flaking. We have heard from several customers who have allergic pets. Like humans, pets can be allergic to dust mites, pollen, molds, foods, chemicals, and even other pets! Cats and dogs normally experience allergy symptoms in the form of skin problems. The most common allergy among cats and dogs is flea allergy. Many felines and canines are allergic to flea saliva, and they experience allergic reactions whenever fleas bite them.