4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[drcara]

Good morning!

 

I would be very grateful if there are any shared experiences of allergies to their chickens.

I have had my lovely girls for 2 weeks. I am blessed with 4 cuddly, very tame and good natured girls.

They jump up to my waist for food and will perch on my lap. Since I have had them however I have developed sore red eczematous eye lids and itchy hands. The itching is worst if I've handled them and my eyes have been sore all the time since.

 

I do get hayfever; but not severe. But I am very allergic to nuts. Further, when I used to cut up fresh chicken (to cook) I would get itchy hands.

 

I will suffer it to keep them, but has anyone experienced this and got any advice? Or are there nuts in layers pellets?

 

Thanks for reading

Cara

[feemcg]

I have eczema and asthma and suffer severe allergies to nuts, peas, lentils, fresh apple but not cooked.....and animals, especially horses. I worried about getting the chickens but have been absolutely fine.....I pick them up for a cuddle......and to check them over. It does sound like you're allergic to them.....especially if you're getting itchy eyes, also you're maybe outside a bit more because of the chooks which could be exposing you to pollens.

You can always wear gloves when handling them but if I were you I'd take a daily antihistamine.

[Falkor]

What if it is the bedding that you are allergic to

 

My friend who has horses can`t go anywhere near the straw stack!

[Mrs Webmuppet]

Mr W, who is allergic to all manner of things ( fur, feather bedding, eggs, wool....), hasn't shown any sign of allergy to the chooks. It might be the bedding or could it something you've disturbed in the garden whilst preparing for the chooks arrival. I have a strange allergic reaction to plants of the marigold family

[Henhathnofury]

I am allergic to feathers so it was ridiculous really to get chickens. I get the odd red rash on my face from too many cuddles with them - but really the exposure to them actually has helped. I even slept on a feather pillow recently without any breathing problems - usually I would get wheezy.

 

Your reaction to cutting raw chicken sounds as if you may have a rare allergy to that type of meat. What you need to do it go to your GP and ask him to refer you for patch testing at a local hospital. I went up to The Chelsea and Westminster. They take several samples and position them on your back with special plasters - they are then checked a few days later, the reactions noted. if chicken might be the problem, you would have to take some for them to use. It is well worth doing; it will isolate problems and also put your mind at rest. Out of all of the samples, I was found to be very allergic to nickel, which explained why I got itchy palms when I held coins. Feathers of course and fur (I have a cat - but I refuse to lose her) It's interesting stuff - not hypochrondria but absolutely necessary. It's distressing when you may be allergic to your pet. They may be also able to help you with preventative measures and new treatments.

 

Good luck and I really hope that it sorts itself out. It's horrible to suffer in this way....

[Henhathnofury]

er...I have just read my post and of course when I said you should take some, referring to chickens...I meant the meat, not your chickens!

[drcara]

Thank you so much for your replies.

 

The graded exposure seems a good idea. It's interesting that I can't wear a watch either because of the nickel and I'm very allergic to cats. I'm definitely going to get some skin testing done.

 

Cara

[Kirstine]

Oh poor you!

I too am allergic to all sorts of things, including Hemcore, which is the only thing I have found to give me such bad asthma even Ventolin doesn't help. DH and I got chickens partly because between us we are allergic to all furred pets - DH can't even go to the zoo without his eyes streaming after 15 mins! He was also allergic to my friend's canary, even though she lived in a cage in the kitchen.

However, we have never managed to have any chickens that like being cuddled, and don't seem to have problems when we hold them for a few minutes if they need to be examined, bathed, etc.

It probably comes down to how much you want to cuddle your chickens, and how much antihistamines help - I know people who are allergic to their cats but put up with it because they love having them, but I wouldn't go that far.

[Aggienator]

It is possible that an allergy clinic could do a blood test (RAST test) rather than skin patch testing as well ( is they can it is less uncomfortable).

 

As for taking the chickens I think this is an excellent idea . My brother once turned up for a radiotherapy appontment and reached into his pocket for his appointment card, only to produce a baby guineapig . He had lain down for a rest before going to the hospital and it had snuggled down in his pocket. The staff rapidly found a small box, some shreded paper, and an escort for the afternoon

[drcara]

To all that replied.......IT'S NOT THE CHICKENS!!

 

After much deliberating and soul searching! It is infact good old fashioned green fairy liquid. My OH bought it just as we got them and I have been washing my hands with it at the kitchen sink very frequently since they arrived.

 

I usually buy the sensitive skin stuff. So mystery solved and it's not my gorgeous girls!!

 

YEEHA

 

ps. I've banned any further OH from any further shopping activity and it was our first 3 egg day