lotlot Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 I suffer from quite a few allergies... and am sadly having to rehome my pet rats due to being severely allergic to them It's not respiratory as such but it mainly affects my eyes. I was wondering whether anyone has been affected by their chickens? I am not so worried about allergies with them as they will be outside but i would like to know if people are badly affected. Cleaning out wouldn't be a problem as i would use straw and wood shavings which aren't too bad, but do they manage to make alot of dust like other birds? Thankyou Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 Some people can be allergic to feathers. I'd be inclined to use either Hemcore or Aubiose as bedding and in the run - it's less dusty. If you have lots of allergies, it might be worth visiting some chooks first to see if you have a reaction. If you email barbara@omlet.co.uk, she can put you in touch with an eglu/chook owner in your area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura & CTB Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 Hi lotlot I'm sorry you are having to rehome your rats - I had to do exactly the same thing as after having them for three years I suddenly developed an allergy to them. Such a shame as they are such great pets Good news is that I've never had a problem with the chickens I use straw in the nest box and Aubiose in the run which can be a bit dusty if you throw it around a lot! The chickens have a dust bath (I use sand & diatom) to play in so the only time it gets dusty is when they shake it all out again - and that's usually by the patio windows Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 I suffer really badly from hayfever and dust allergies... But I i'm luckier than some people because I have to come into really close contact with both... For example walking through a crop field during the summer time will do it. My cousin suffers badly from cat hairs! Even just walking on a carpet in a house where a cat lives is enough to start him off! To make things worse we use hay both for the horses and as bedding in the nests for our chooks and it usually starts me off when I'm moving it around... But thankfully, I don't have an allergy to chickens or any other of the animals we keep! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 To make things worse we use hay both for the horses and as bedding in the nests for our chooks and it usually starts me off when I'm moving it around... Sorry to sound like a pooper here, but it's best not to use hay in the nest - the spores in it can cause respiratory problems in chooks and it tends to get damp and mouldy quickly (they can also get impacted crops if they eat it). Aubiose or Hemcore are best, whcih you may already use for your horses, failing that, frequently changed straw is fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 I'm allergic to feathers in pillows, but the chickens don't seem to set me off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaggieMcHen Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 I'm allergic to feathers in pillows, but the chickens don't seem to set me off. Ditto from me - I don't have a problem with the chickens feathers but can't use feather pillows cushions etc. Maggie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lotlot Posted November 20, 2007 Author Share Posted November 20, 2007 Sounding good so far I shouldn't think there would be a problem with them being outside. I only get really badly affected by my rats as they are inside and i do have to handle them for hours a day as they are such bright animals and crave attention. I think chicken's seem perfect for me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feemcg Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 Hi, I have severe allergies to cats, dogs, horses, peanuts, lentils, peas, latex.......and so it goes on - I regularly cuddle my chickens and have suffered no ill-effects. However when I had the ducklings in the utility room before they went out to the grower's run, after cuddling them my eyes would be a bit itchy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
