BellaOnline Forums Home and Garden Birds Its not an allergy to Bert!!!!

<img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> HELP?? I have had Bert(Amazon)for 1 month. It took about 2 weeks to start handling him quite often. I started having symtoms of allergies then quickly started having a cough and a hard time to breath. Which made me think of when I was a child, after a few months of similiar symptoms my doctor thought I might be allergic to goose feathered pillows. I stopped sleeping on any pillows with feathers and the symptoms soon went away. So I never knew for sure if that was the cause. I was wondering if anyone knew how I could find out more about something like this. This is just a big curiousity and if I rule out being allergic to Bert I will feel so much better. We have a wonderful bond at this point and I would be crushed. Thank you, Kim R. <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

It kinda points to Bert doesn't it. How disappointing! Have you tried a really good air filtration system in the room where Bert is normally kept? I've read about people with allergies to their birds who have had success with these. Also, frequently bathing or spraying the bird with water seems helpful, and of course, keeping the cage clean.

Although it does really sound like you allergy is to bird feathers, have you considered seeing if your doctor can do allergy testing on you to make sure. Maybe its something else, like a bird safe cleaner you just started to use when Bert came to live with you. It may have nothing to do with your childhood alergy. Just a thought.

Otherwise, like Lizzy suggested - a good air purifier, frequent bathings (for Bert), and keeping the cage & surrounding area as clean as possible.

Good luck Kim. There are many people who keep birds even though they are allergic to them.

Hi Kim,
I think the only way to know for sure is get tested. My son Daniel, the poor kid is allergic to most everything, also many food items.
The purifers work well, I try and keep the birds, sprayed and showered everyday. Luckily the birds don't seem to bother him, the rabbit does though so he stays away.
Get it checked out, we are now in seasonal allergie time, so that could be it too.
Good Luck.
Dawn <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Thanks again for you comments. My husband and I have decided that if I'm allergic to Bert we would just take the steps we need to make me comfortable. We have bonded so well with Bert and can't see him having to leave. My appointment is tomorrow and I will have them test me. I never knew they could do specific tests like that. The other possibility would be that I'm having a reaction to the mildew I came into contact with while cleaning. I am also a janitor and came across some mildew a couple weeks ago. I'm hoping but I'll fill you all in. Cross your fingers. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Hi Kim, I hope you get good news about your allergy testing. I have been thinking about you and your problem. At least he isn't a cockatoo or cockatiel as they really shed a lot of dander and if you have feather allergies you would be very miserable! If it is allergies maybe your dr can give you some medicine that will help. I have been having seasonal allergy problems now and I had been considering a cockatoo.......a guy called me that has babies now and I guess it is a good thing my allergies kicked in before he called! So no cockatoos for Connie <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> .

Well my doctor truley feels that I have pneumonia that is not related to Bert. I'm assuming the testing proceedure is complicated because he wants to treat with an antibiotic before doing testing. I never knew it was that hard to get a straight answer :rolleyes: I did tell him I was willing to do the test no matter what. He felt we should treat it as a cold at this point, he gave me Zithromax so if I'm not cleared up within a week he said we'll know it may be Bert or other allergies. Please keep your figures crossed. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> No matter what I am still enjoying Bert he is so trusting now and with the few days off my doctor has insisted on we'll have a blast hangin out together seeing I can't do a whole lot of anything else. <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I was allergy tested when I was in 3rd grade. I am sure things have changed a lot since then! They poked my back and each spot they put a different thing that they tested for. I don't remember it hurting much, but some of them really itched! I hope that it isn't Bert that is bothering you. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.....

I'll bet your doctor doesn't want your body to be fighting off the pneumonia at the same time as it is responding to the testing. Possibly the antibiotics would interfere with the test results also.

So - enjoy your time off, since it doesn't sound as if the pneumonia is one that will keep you in bed.

Gee I hope it's not pneumonia, but I also hope it's not an allergy to Bert! My husband had allergy tests done awhile back (last spring I think) and it was done differently from your description Connie M. There were no needles or poking this time so I don't think it would be an ordeal to do, however, must trust the dr. I guess. Keep enjoying that lovely bird Kim, and we'll all keep our fingers crossed!