Cockatoo Dust

[GBishop]

Hey everyone.

I have been asked to take on a disabled cockatoo for a period of time (foster with potential to adopt) as he was found living in a fairly bad situation and cannot fly/has damaged feet. However, I currently have two other birds - a sun conure and a Derbyan parakeet. My primary concern is the dust. I do have the ability to house the birds in separate rooms, but I am concerned about the dust affecting my other two anyway, particularly the sun conure who had a respiratory infection in the past (due to a previous living situation).

Aside from the dust, I am fully aware of the potential chaos and demands that would be associated with a cockatoo, so really just trying to figure out if the bird will be too dusty. I do have an air purifier setup, vacuum the bird room daily etc. but I am concerned it won't be sufficient. He is acclimated to living outside during the day, so I do have the option of putting him outside for part of the day.

Does anyone have any experience they could share? My current two come first and I definitely want to prioritise Rico's health (my sun conure).

Thanks!

 

[DonnaBudgie]

I had a dusty cockatoo (a Goffin) and I put a Honeywell HEPA room air purifier right next to his cage and it collected a lot of white bird dust. People ask if the unit worked and obviously it did or it wouldn't collect so much dust that would otherwise be in the air. I vacuumed the pre-filter every two weeks and changed the HEPA filters every few months. You don't need to throw the pre-filter out- just vacuum the surface and put it back. The pre-filter is primarily what removes bird dust.
I'm not promoting any brand but I would get a unit rated for a room at least one size larger than the room the birds are in or get two units if the room is very large or has very high ceilings. I would also put it right next to the cockatoo's cage to collect as much bird dust as possible before it gets dispersed around the room. Put the other birds' cages away from the cockatoo's (or in another room). You will still have to dust and vacuum frequently but those microfiber dusting cloths really grab bird dust and you can throw them in the wash.

 

[SailBoat]

You are likely not aware of just how much noise a mid to large Too can make. It is not unusual for them to wake up a neighbor. Dust is a reality and can be a bit overwhelming. Follow the advice above about dust. In addition, they love to chew and some can chew lots of wood quickly.

You need to do far more research as the individual offering the Too is not being fully honest.

 

[GBishop]

Thanks heaps for the replies. Will definitely be evaluating the situation a bit further before making any decisions.

I am aware of the noise cockatoos are capable of as we have a flock of wild umbrella cockatoos who live in the forests surrounding my rural property so am potentially going into this with eyes wide open. I'm very fortunate to not have any neighbour's otherwise I definitely would not be considering.

Thanks again!

 

[Vampiric_Conure]

If you have an air purifier going and you have a habit of vacuuming regularly, you should be okay with the dust

 

[TiredOldMan]

If you have an air purifier going and you have a habit of vacuuming regularly, you should be okay with the dust

This
Also if the too likes to bath or shower then give it the opportunity as often as possible. Being outside during a rain was what mine loved the best. Also after a rain bath you wouldn't believe how soft and beautiful he was.

 

[DonnaBudgie]

This
Also if the too likes to bath or shower then give it the opportunity as often as possible. Being outside during a rain was what mine loved the best. Also after a rain bath you wouldn't believe how soft and beautiful he was.

My Goffin Monster loved to get soaked to the skin in the shower with me and get gently blow dried after.