Macaw respiratory sensativity questions

[ChocoboFun]

Lullx informed me that I needed to look into respiratory sensativity in Macaws before deciding to make a purchase.

I looked into it a bit, and it seems they can have issues with smaller particulate feathers and dander and the like. I've seen several places saying that it wasn't such a big deal if you put an air purifier in the area it will stay most often, so that leads into my questions.

I am a rather hairy guy and shed a bit(a little more than a large breed like a German Shepherd), as well as having enough dandruff that prescription strength shampoo doesn't knock it out. Will an air purifier be enough to negate this issue? Should I instead aim for a different type of bird? Should I avoid keeping one in the same room as the parakeets (assuming the air purifier is enough to handle my own shedding)?

If it helps, I keep the house completely free of most chemicals and smelly stuff, as these provoke a violent sneezing fit and migraine from me.

 

[JerseyWendy]

I have 2 macaws, a Blue & Gold and a Green Wing. I do NOT use any air filters, and neither of my big macs have any respiratory issues. I also have 2 Amazons and 2 large dogs.

Blue & Golds are said to have THE most sensitive airways, and some folks have issues keeping them (healthy) when kept with either Cockatoos or African Greys, both of which give of a good amount of powdery stuff.

But no, a healthy macaw should certainly have no issues if you are a hairy person who sheds like a German Shepherd, LMAO!

 

[weco]

As Wendy mentioned, the problem is with feather dust and powder down, even if you had Yeti & Bigfoot both to dinner every night, you'd be OK, though your food larder would probably have difficulty recovering.....

Good luck.....

 

[MikeyTN]

I've been keeping Willie the B&G with Dixie the Cockatoo for over 10 years without any ill effect but I use a air purifier as well.

 

[Mirren]

I have a pet Hanhs and he hasn't had any trouble with respitory problems, but his father, out in an aviary, did. It scared the heck out of us, but he's ok now, thanks to our awesome vet.

 

[thekarens]

I haven't had a problem with our BTM but we've only had her since last July. Personally I wouldn't chance a Too in this house with her, but I think where we live is extra dusty to begin with.