Problems with bird dander? – 5 ways you can minimize bird dander in your home

In captivity, bird dander is the invisible enemy for both birds and humans. These tiny flakes of dead skin give way to newer, healthier skin. And looking at the big picture, this is a good thing for your bird. However, constantly sending such a large number of particles into the air can make the air unhealthy. Here are 5 things you can do to minimize the danger and keep the air healthy.

Offer baths for birds—I once knew a lady who described a birdbath as throwing some water up into the air and running under it. Although that may seem like a pretty accurate description of what your pet is up to, offering your bird a chance to clean itself with warm water is one of the best ways to get rid of dander before it can get airborne.

Some will love having a bowl of warm water in the cage for bathing. Others may enjoy showering with you with the air of a shower hanger. The water pressure should be set to misting so it doesn’t startle or damage their wings. You are the best judge of which method your feathered friend will enjoy best.

Bathing should be done early in the day to allow it to dry out completely before cooler nighttime temperatures set in. This avoids the risk of chills. Check with your vet for the healthiest frequency.

clean the cage regularly—A thorough cleaning at least once a month will really help clean the air. The particles can stick to the cage bars, the bottom of the cage roof, perches, and other toys. Taking the cage outside to clean and disinfect will remove particles that are invisible to the eye. Disinfecting the cage will kill bacteria and viruses that often cling to particles that can and are often easily inhaled.

Check your numbers and make a careful choice—-If you are dedicating a small space for the bird’s room, keep the number you adopt small. Having too many in a cramped area makes living conditions almost impossible to keep healthy. One or two birds make a smarter decision.

And while all birds create dander, there are powdery birds like Cockatoos, African Greys, and Cockatoos that shed a white powder as well. If you’re still in the process of deciding, think carefully about whether to add a bird that generates bird dust and dander to the cleanup.

Clean smarter—The idea here is to trap pollutants rather than release them into the air. This means damp mopping and wiping down surfaces instead of sweeping or dusting. Always vacuum with a cleaner that safely traps contaminants without letting them escape. Outfitting your room with easy-to-clean surfaces such as tile, hardwood floors, blinds, shutters, and easy-to-clean fabrics and furniture will help.

filter the air—Unless you actively remove particles from the air, contaminants will continue to accumulate in the air and thicken the air for you and your bird to breathe. For your pet, this can mean clogged air passages that all too often lead to illnesses and infections that are difficult to reverse. For humans, the increase in airborne particles causes flare-ups in allergy sufferers and asthmatics and can trigger the onset of respiratory problems.