Change of Heart

[The Pinkertons]

A few weeks ago, I was romancing the idea of bringing in another Parrot to the Flock...After careful consideration, I'm not sure if I'm ready to move forward, the reasons being.

#1 The species I was considering is a Blue Throated Macaw (New World)

#2 Size

#3 My Flock are Cockatoos ( Old World)

#4 Being able to provide quality time/ care for each Bird. My birds share a cage, I am fortunate they co habituate peacefully, they spend their time together free on their play gym or flying in the house under supervision. They Have an Outdoor Aviary to enjoy in a safe environment. All this would change if I brought home another Bird.

#5 I don't think it would be fair to my existing Pair or the New Bird. The dynamics would change.

Many of you on here have Mixed Species. The pros and cons of multiple bird ownership would be greatly appreciated.

[spiritbird]

Macaw cannot survive being in a home with dusty birds. Sounds like you know that.

[mdg1109]

A few weeks ago, I was romancing the idea of bringing in another Parrot to the Flock...After careful consideration, I'm not sure if I'm ready to move forward, the reasons being.

#1 The species I was considering is a Blue Throated Macaw (New World)

#2 Size

#3 My Flock are Cockatoos ( Old World)

#4 Being able to provide quality time/ care for each Bird. My birds share a cage, I am fortunate they co habituate peacefully, they spend their time together free on their play gym or flying in the house under supervision. They Have an Outdoor Aviary to enjoy in a safe environment. All this would change if I brought home another Bird.

#5 I don't think it would be fair to my existing Pair or the New Bird. The dynamics would change.

Many of you on here have Mixed Species. The pros and cons of multiple bird ownership would be greatly appreciated.

Suzanne I completely understand where you are coming from, I am still on edge about bringing Peanut home. I am even more anxious about it now that I am back to work. Even though I am only working part time right now I feel like my free time is limited and want to make sure my kids, fid, and everything else gets fair and equal attention. Good luck with whatever decision you arrive at.

[Mare]

Being the most controversial in this group..would have to say "go for it" but only if YOU are ready to take on the responsibility of a new bird. A new bird adds extra EVERYTHING to a home.

[The Pinkertons]

Being the most controversial in this group..would have to say "go for it" but only if YOU are ready to take on the responsibility of a new bird. A new bird adds extra EVERYTHING to a home. avant-garde Sounds more glamorous ...And suites you to a tee Mare :encouragement:

[The Pinkertons]

Macaw cannot survive being in a home with dusty birds. Sounds like you know that. Respectfully Speaking Dianne... I know, that you know, that I know that.:th_wink: But I also know, that other's have had successful/ or not so successful outcome keeping both. And I would like to hear their experience.

[spiritbird]

The main adm. person on AA lost a Mac from a severe asthma attack and heart that a necropsy showed cause to be bird dust from one African grey. It was all very sad.

[The Pinkertons]

The main adm. person on AA lost a Mac from a severe asthma attack and heart that a necropsy showed cause to be bird dust from one African grey. It was all very sad.How horrible Dianne, yes I am aware of the risk, but I also notice that Members on PP and other Parrot Forms have Multi Bird Species households. I was interested in how they managed.

[Pinkbirdy]

Not a problem here .Of course you knew I would say that. Birds get baths ( and I clean).We have air purifiers .You will know what birds get along or not .I hate how the internet discourages some breeds.It almost talked me out of my Amazon's and Quakers .I would have missed out.

[Mare]

Terri..you BE awesome, personified!! It's very true that the Internet/forums discourage mixing these worlds of birds but you are proof that it works! Suzanne, if you have your heart set on another bird and are hesitant to mix worlds..go for another cockatoo type breed.

[Macaw Lover]

Just because a bird does not die or show signs immediately of the respiratory problems the dusty birds cause does not mean the bird will not develop it later down the road.

Why is it that so many people are willing to play Russian Roulette with an animals long term health when it is a KNOWN and documented fact what it can do to birds. I just don't understand why people mix them and yet think they are giving them this great home.

[Mare]

My opinion on this, Renee, is..they NEED FRICKIN' HOMES! People breed them and they have to go somewheres so why not to a good home where they will be taken well care of..?.

Yes, dust can be an issue. I believe I'm on my downhill slide due to my cockatoo's dust but it's been a great ride, none the less.

[Casper's 2nd best friend]

I believe I'm on my downhill slide due to my cockatoo's dust but it's been a great ride, none the less. :th_eek:

We have an expensive seven stage air filter, not essential with just one bird - we can't even have a glass of whisky without it going into hyperdrive.

[The Pinkertons]

:th_eek:

We have an expensive seven stage air filter, not essential with just one bird - we can't even have a glass of whisky without it going into hyperdrive.Jean-Pierre, your the best...I love you guys :youthewoman::man::drinks4:

[kendrafitz]

I am with Dianne on this one. I would not risk it. Yes, there are people who mix oil and dust birds and things seem to be fine.

The question is, how long does it take for problems to show themselves to the point a caregiver would notice. Keeping in mind that birds hide symptoms. I don't know the answer but my guess would be possibly quite a while.

I wouldn't do it. But that is me, I am not one to take risks with my or my loved ones health. To put it in a different perspective I wouldn't chose to live in a house with black mold or asbestos issues. I may be able to live there a while without getting sick, but chances are I will eventually.

Just my opinion. Hope it wasn't too harsh. I just see how painful it is for people on boards when they lose their macaws to this. :(

[The Pinkertons]

Your Feedback Is Appreciated

Good to see the other side of things, if anyone else has an opinion on this subject please post it! I'm eager to learn form both sides of the fence.

[The Pinkertons]

Thanks Kendra, Duly Noted :th_smile:

[Lady]

I sure don't have an opinion because I only have Lady. I would just have more questions. Could they live in the same house but on different floors? How far does the dust travel? Would you carry it from one room to another on you clothes, skin or hair? Would you have to shower and change clothes before you went to spend time with one after spending time with the other?

[The Pinkertons]

I sure don't have an opinion because I only have Lady. I would just have more questions. Could they live in the same house but on different floors? How far does the dust travel? Would you carry it from one room to another on you clothes, skin or hair? Would you have to shower and change clothes before you went to spend time with one after spending time with the other?
Excellent Questions: Anyone Have Answers ?

[Mare]

:th_eek:

We have an expensive seven stage air filter, not essential with just one bird - we can't even have a glass of whisky without it going into hyperdrive.


We have air filters in most rooms but the 'too dust, still survives!

[The Pinkertons]

What about living in a dry and dusty area of the country , wouldn't that present the same health issues with Macaws as keeping Dusty Species ?

[Karen]

How horrible Dianne, yes I am aware of the risk, but I also notice that Members on PP and other Parrot Forms have Multi Bird Species households. I was interested in how they managed.

It's perfectly safe (health wise) to keep multiple bird species in a household if you follow the simple guideline of; Old World and New World do not mix. Pick your next species from the selection of Old World Parrots.

While some people do keep Macaws with the dusty Old World Parrots, IMO, they are jeopardizing the Macaw's life because the sensitivity is not known until it's too late. Pulmonary Hypersensitivity Syndrome is fatal and unfortunately it is often advanced when owners first notice a problem.


I would just have more questions. Could they live in the same house but on different floors? How far does the dust travel? Would you carry it from one room to another on you clothes, skin or hair? Would you have to shower and change clothes before you went to spend time with one after spending time with the other?

No, if a Macaw has the sensitivity their life would be in jeopardy. You won't know this until it's too late. Per Winged Wisdom: "In order to prevent PHS, macaws should be housed in well ventilated rooms - WITHOUT cockatoos, cockatiels or African greys.

The powder down travels easily, it is composed of very fine particulate matter which becomes airborne very easily and spreads via air currents and air ducts throughout the area.


What about living in a dry and dusty area of the country , wouldn't that present the same health issues with Macaws as keeping Dusty Species ?

It isn't dust per se. We refer to the birds as dusty but it is the powder down of the Old World Birds that Macaws (people too) can be allergic too. It is produced by specialized "powder down feathers" and is a white waxy substance composed of keratin.

[The Pinkertons]

Thank you Karen,
For your Informative Clarification. Your in-depth knowledge I'm sure, will help many including myself make informed decision's in the well being of their Avian Companion.

[The Pinkertons]

It's perfectly safe (health wise) to keep multiple bird species in a household if you follow the simple guideline of; Old World and New World do not mix. Pick your next species from the selection of Old World Parrots.

While some people do keep Macaws with the dusty Old World Parrots, IMO, they are jeopardizing the Macaw's life because the sensitivity is not known until it's too late. Pulmonary Hypersensitivity Syndrome is fatal and unfortunately it is often advanced when owners first notice a problem.



No, if a Macaw has the sensitivity their life would be in jeopardy. You won't know this until it's too late. Per Winged Wisdom: "In order to prevent PHS, macaws should be housed in well ventilated rooms - WITHOUT cockatoos, cockatiels or African greys.

The powder down travels easily, it is composed of very fine particulate matter which becomes airborne very easily and spreads via air currents and air ducts throughout the area.



It isn't dust per se. We refer to the birds as dusty but it is the powder down of the Old World Birds that Macaws (people too) can be allergic too. It is produced by specialized "powder down feathers" and is a white waxy substance composed of keratin. What about Asiatic Species... are they considered old world, I think the little Rosy Bourke are cute, would they be on the safe list?

[Karen]

What about Asiatic Species... are they considered old world, I think the little Rosy Bourke are cute, would they be on the safe list?

I think so. If they're Psittaculidae they are considered OW.

I did a little looking around and found this; [Users must be registered and logged in to view attached photos or hyperlinks]

[spiritbird]

Karen I couldn't have said it better. Thanks for your input and enlightenment.

[The Pinkertons]

I think so. If they're Psittaculidae they are considered OW.

I did a little looking around and found this; [Users must be registered and logged in to view attached photos or hyperlinks] Thanks a bunch ! :th_smile:

[Karen]

My opinion on this, Renee, is..they NEED FRICKIN' HOMES! People breed them and they have to go somewheres so why not to a good home where they will be taken well care of..?.


But then you can't say that the bird whose health is now in jeopardy is being well taken care of. Knowing that a bird could have the sensitivity and you won't know about it until it's too late is risking their life.

But what we do know in advance is that old world and new world should not live together because of these possible health risks.

[The Pinkertons]

But then you can't say that the bird whose health is now in jeopardy is being well taken care of. Knowing that a bird could have the sensitivity and you won't know about it until it's too late is risking their life.


But what we do know in advance is that old world and new world should not live together because of these possible health risks.I've noticed that some " AVICULTRUISTS " in their Breeding Programs do KEEP / BREED Both OW/NW. I have questioned some of them on these Practices.

[Penny]

This is a large amount of good information! When I am finally going to be in a position to get a new feather baby it's certainly going to help me make a decision maybe about where I look. I am currently favoring African Grey's and I knew they had dust, but I didn't know how severe the reaction to the dust was for other birds and possibly for humans. Does the composition of the dust change with age and hormones? With dogs and cats, there are shampoos and such to keep the dander down. It makes me wonder if there is something like that for birds too. I imagine with all the preening they do, finding a safe way to do that would be challenging.

[The Pinkertons]

This is a large amount of good information! When I am finally going to be in a position to get a new feather baby it's certainly going to help me make a decision maybe about where I look. I am currently favoring African Grey's and I knew they had dust, but I didn't know how severe the reaction to the dust was for other birds and possibly for humans. Does the composition of the dust change with age and hormones? With dogs and cats, there are shampoos and such to keep the dander down. It makes me wonder if there is something like that for birds too. I imagine with all the preening they do, finding a safe way to do that would be challenging.Good Questions and Answers Penny... These are the kind of Topics I find worth while discussing on "Aviculture/Bird Forums" I enjoy these types of Topics on PP since were a Smaller Forum. No need for Grandstanding, I personally find that Refreshing and a Bonus, that we have a Rewarding Arena of Quality Discussions amongst our Members.

[Karen]

I've noticed that some " AVICULTRUISTS " in their Breeding Programs do KEEP / BREED Both OW/NW. I have questioned some of them on these Practices.

Thank you for that. It should be questioned. It's a practice I can't wrap my head around either. I can't think of any instance (other than this topic) where there would be such complacency over jeopardizing a parrots life. I read the poor advice that is often given on this topic; that it's alright as long as you have a air purifier and "my Macaw lives with 5 Cockatoos" and is just fine."

Macaws are close to my heart and while they can talk they still need me to speak up for them on this topic.

[The Pinkertons]

Thank you for that. It should be questioned. It's a practice I can't wrap my head around either. I can't think of any instance (other than this topic) where there would be such complacency over jeopardizing a parrots life. I read the poor advice that is often given on this topic; that it's alright as long as you have a air purifier and "my Macaw lives with 5 Cockatoos" and is just fine."

Macaws are close to my heart and while they can talk they still need me to speak up for them on this topic. Duly Noted, Thanks Karen...:colorflash: