Help! Possibly allergy to cockatoo dander

[Razz]

Hi everyone. I'm new here but need some advice or insight, anything! I have a 12 year old male eclectus that is a known plucker. Two weeks ago I adopted an umbrella cockatoo. Within the two weeks of the cockatoo being here my eclectus has started having breathing problems. Even while relaxed he seems to be breathing way to hard. I've read a couple things about the dander of a cockatoo and am wondering if anyone has seen this before? I'm extremely worried about him and it makes me sick to think that this could be because of my new feathered friend..

 

[Theresa]

Are they in the same room?

 

[Teckechick]

Do you have an air purifier? That can help with the dander. You could also keep them in separate rooms to help! If the picking is really bad I would also talk to my vet.

 

[Razz]

No they are not in the same room and I do have an air purifier.. the only reason I think it could be the dander is because he was fine before the cockatoo got here.. I am planning on taking him to the vet. But the soonest appointment is days away so wanted a little more insight.

 

[Mizzely]

Yes, cockatoo, cockatiel, and grey dander can cause respiratory distress in non dusty species. Usually it's not so immediate though, it's often after years of exposure

 

[Razz]

Could there be a possibility that it would happen after a short time?

 

[Theresa]

Could there be a possibility that it would happen after a short time?

I believe so, if the Ekkie has never been around dusty birds you would have no knowledge of a sensitivity to the dust till you exposed him to it. A vet visit is in order for sure and lots of showers for the Too.

 

[Sylvester]

I am wondering if the ekkie is not experiencing anxiety over the new bird, and that is causing the heavy breathing, and the plucking. I mean, I can't see the dander part happening that fast.