Hi John. My goodness you are having a rough time! I am so sorry you have been so ill and that you also had the heartbreak of losing one of your beautiful little parrotlets. I sincerely hope things get back on track for you all - it sure sounds like you are dedicated to the cause!
I am pretty sure I am allergic to Kiwi although I have never been diagnosed. I say that because my ears get itchy when she sits on my shoulder for too long and I get little red hives if she scratches my skin. I have allergies to pretty much everything outside (pollen from everything) so during the spring, I find I am even more sensitive to her (the hives are itchier longer, for example). I also have asthma so allergies are definitely a trigger. Fun…
I have never done any type of intervention on Kiwi. Instead, I recently bought a Dyson stick vacuum and wow - does it suck up dirt and dust! It was a bit shocking to me to see how my current central vac wasn’t doing the job. There is definitely a noticeable change to my allergy symptoms and incidences of asthma. I use the vac everyday (sometimes a few times a day) because it is so light and easy to maneuver. It is also cordless - you just pop it off the charger and away you go. I vac the furniture around her cage too.
I am also looking into purchasing a HEPA air cleaner. I had one many years ago when I met my husband and had cats. He was very allergic (suffered asthma when he was around them) and as I would never have given them up, I worked hard to find solutions just like you are. The HEPA filter was also a game changer and I am sure the technology now is even better. I also vacuumed every day and particularly before he came over. He would typically only get itchy eyes and sniffles if they came close to him (which they always did - haha!) but it was rare that he would get asthma.
Another thing that helps me alot is a humidifier. Making sure your home has 45-55 percent humidity will help your health, your parrotlet’s health and your home in general (hard wood floors, wood furniture, etc). I breathe much better when the house is properly humidified - like, noticeably different. My sinuses too don’t get dry and sensitive, which can ease allergy symptoms.
As I already take Reactine in the spring for seasonal allergies, I notice the relief from the itchy hives during that time (but my ears always itch - there is more going on there, lucky me). I am not a doctor nor a pharmacist but you could talk to those professionals if you think that could help.
I think it is great that you are trying so hard to find solutions for your little guy. My little dog, Paris, passed away last December and I always thought I was allergic to her a bit (she was a major shedder). I wish I had had this vacuum when she was with me. Breathing difficulties are scary and absolutely need to be addressed so I hope some of these ideas can help you. Keep us posted!
Sorry that you lost another one while in hospital. That is never easy! Jackie and Rizzie have given good advice. You may also want to wash your hands really well after handling your birds, cage, toys, etc. I got into the habit of washing my hands before and after I handled my bird. Also, you may want to sanitize and clean your birds cages often. Maybe every day. I hope these suggestions help. And that you start feeling better!
