Parrots and COPD

[dirose]

How do I know if my African Grey is adding to my COPD problems, does anyone know? I get breathless out of the house, does that suggest she is not the main contributor?

[Hidden]

My husband has had COPD for 9 years and the specialist told him it was down to smoking.

We told him we had a cockatiel and he said get rid of it as they cause bird fanciers lung due to all he dust they cause. We gave him away.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Did your Dr also tell you getting rid of the bird would make a difference? Truth is most likely not. Birds fancier disease is mostly related to pigeon poop.. I agree with limit handling not get rid of. I have COPD emphysema and have two parrots. Recently MRSA pneumonia and every test none of which would suggest that my birds are a problem. COPD AS YOU KNOW IS SLOWED DOWN NOT CURABLE.

[caroleoctober]

I had two canaries and was told to get rid of them, breathing is still as bad as ever, but as I am stage 4 don't expect anything else just didn't want it getting worse before it had to! Not me that is bad it is my breathing.

Carole x

[Hidden]

I have read that birds can cause lung problems so I suspect it wont be helping. The problem is once you have COPD, you have it but there are certain things that can make it worse eg. cold weather, perfume etc. And maybe the parrot is one of those things. Maybe the BLF helpline would know better. TAD xx

[dirose in reply to Hidden]

How do I contact the BLF helpline please.??

so that's why I go into perfume and toiletry shops my eyes and nose run etc., and the cold weather is making me breathless following a recent lung infection. Should'nt the hospital or the cliinic I go to for my copd inhalers, (see 'copd' nurse) or the GP I saw following discharge from hospital tell us, give us written info on all of this? no one told me anything!!!!

[Katlover in reply to dirose]

I wonder if you should be asking your GP if referring you to a respiratory clinic at the hospital might be in your best interests you know.

xxx

[Katlover]

Before you make any decisions as I know parrots and other birds form real relationships with their human slaves and vice versa, my suggestion would be to talk to either your consultant or respiratory nurse so that whatever you decide, you can make a decision based on your specific case.

Beautiful creatures, would love a parrot but don't think that would work in a house of 5 burmese cats even though I suspect the parrot would rule

xxx

[dirose in reply to Katlover]

I do not have a respititory nurse or consultant,I can try the GP of course!

Yes my Gemma (African grey) is boss over two cats, and a very large dog sadly now passed away. Boss over me too!!

[Katlover]

The BLF helpline - 03000 030 555

GP is a good one if the BLF cant give you specific information that will cover your individual circumstances.

I can imagine Gemma rules. Losing them breaks your heart, now lost my 2 dogs (last one 14 months ago now), I would love to see a parrot ruling pesky puss cats, my 5 burmese peskies think they are so big and brave, they are indoor but have a run and chutter at birds in the garden but laugh because occasionally, a pigeon arrives and they are almost as big as they are and they run a mile of anything that they are not familiar with.

I so hope it turns out that Gemma is ok to stay with you

Kat

xxx

[jeanghost]

My husband has COPD we used to have an aviary in the back garden and bred budgies and finches. My husband was fine at the time, maybe these things build up over time. We have always had cats some who have slept on our bed over the years. It probably did not help but I do think that smoking is the main cause. My husband used to roll his own 'old holborn' does anyone know if this worse than 'tailor made' cigarettes?

I have never smoked I did not like the taste when I was a teenager, but I am very sympathetic to anyone who did. Years ago they did not know the damage the it could cause. I wish the younger generation would think what they are doing to themselves. My husband is on oxygen 24 hours a day and I know he wishes he had packed up many years ago.

[HangingInThere]

I came in search of an answer before I get a bird. My head tells me that there is no possible way a bird could be good for my lungs.... BUT. at the same time...

My heart tells me I need one or something to love and live with. I adored my Chihuahua but had to finally give her up Nov 2014. She lives with my sons family and has a wonderful home. I am just so lonely without my baby. Sigh.. Sorry.

I was thinking that the enjoyment, the love and the blessings might out way the bird dust/dander?

I really do not want a hamster, snake, cat or fish. Any ideas?

Love Patty

Hanging In There

Almost 16 years & Counting

[HangingInThere in reply to HangingInThere]

I forgot! I can't ask my Dr as he says smoking e-cigarettes is fine! Hello!

[gg2017 in reply to HangingInThere]

Yes I breed chinese crested hairless dogs I too have copd came to this site because I have a blue and gold