Why are Tiels so dusty?

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Why are Tiels so dusty?

Postby DMC on Sun Jan 31, 2010 3:13 pm

Hello Everyone!
Im a new Tiel owner and was wondering why Tiels are so dusty and what I can do to cut down on the dust. I have owned Parakeets in the past and they didn't seem to have as much dust as the Tiels. Just curious. Thank you.


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  • Re: Why are Tiels so dusty?

    Postby christie on Sun Jan 31, 2010 3:34 pm

    Tiels are part of the group of "powder down" birds. They do produce a dust, which does increase during molting when the keratin sheath is broken apart and releases the new feather. The powder does help to keep their feathers in shape, and waterproof.

    To cut down on the dander, you can install a good hepa filter near the cage, this will suck in some of the dust and keep it out of the air. You can also bathe your bird often. Keep a bath in the cage, let them shower with you, or use a plant mister to do so. Make sure the room is warm enough and that they will dry before bedtime.
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    Re: Why are Tiels so dusty?

    Postby DMC on Fri Mar 05, 2010 5:03 pm

    Do you have any recommended websites where I can find a Hepa filter?
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    Re: Why are Tiels so dusty?

    Postby christie on Fri Mar 05, 2010 6:17 pm

    Honestly I don't, but I believe there was some info on it a while back. I'll see if I can find the thread and paste it here for you. Make sure you don't get one that ionizes the air, that is really bad for you and the birds.

    ETA:

    Here is the thread where we were discussing product reccomendations a while back. I hope it helps.

    http://www.upatsix.com/chats/bird-chatter/topic99299.html?hilit=hepa%20filter
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    Re: Why are Tiels so dusty?

    Postby Bluesbird Exotics on Fri Mar 05, 2010 6:47 pm

    I've been recommending Austin Air filters for most of the years I've lived with birds, including a large 'tiel flock. I've kept a filter in each of my bird rooms and have JUST this past month had to finally replace one. They're pricier than most. This one cost $429 after I spent a few minutes searching online for the best price on the model I wanted. If this one lasts me 15 years, as did the one it replaces, that would have it costing me 8 cents a day. Not bad for the amount of dust it keeps me and my flock from inhaling! Two others that are now 12 and 14 years old are still going strong.

    http://www.austinair.com/healthmate.php
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    Re: Why are Tiels so dusty?

    Postby PurpleHeart on Sat Mar 06, 2010 11:17 am

    To elaborate more on what Christie said above...

    These types of birds (dust down) use this dust to groom their feathers and provide protection from rain in the wild. These birds are similar to Love Birds, African Grey, and many others. This dust is produced and should be available unless your bird is sick and need of attention. This is also a sign that you have your humidity correct and the temps in your aviary are suitable for this type of bird. So don't really try and mask it, is nature at its best... providing for the comfort and well being of your feathered friend. It is when these types of birds "Do Not" produce this dust, is where there should be an alarm.

    The other type of bird, for lack of a better term... is the oil producing variety. These birds are like Eclectus and their oil has a strong aroma but it is also a "good sign"

    So allow your birds to "dust" this is a good thing.

    Consolidate the dust collectors (hepa filters) to where YOU are in your house, the trick is to have several of them. I went out and got the cheapest ones, with an eye for the cheapest "FILTERS" This is the item that needs regular cleaning and replacement. The motorized unit usually holds up well, it is the filter that needs constant care. So look for several of them, with filters that won't bust your bank account. I use good ole Wally World... Wal-Mart's.
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    Re: Why are Tiels so dusty?

    Postby MFids on Sat Mar 06, 2010 12:04 pm

    PurpleHeart wrote:To elaborate more on what Christie said above...

    These types of birds (dust down) use this dust to groom their feathers and provide protection from rain in the wild. These birds are similar to Love Birds, African Grey, and many others. This dust is produced and should be available unless your bird is sick and need of attention. This is also a sign that you have your humidity correct and the temps in your aviary are suitable for this type of bird. So don't really try and mask it, is nature at its best... providing for the comfort and well being of your feathered friend. It is when these types of birds "Do Not" produce this dust, is where there should be an alarm.

    The other type of bird, for lack of a better term... is the oil producing variety. These birds are like Eclectus and their oil has a strong aroma but it is also a "good sign"

    So allow your birds to "dust" this is a good thing.

    Consolidate the dust collectors (hepa filters) to where YOU are in your house, the trick is to have several of them. I went out and got the cheapest ones, with an eye for the cheapest "FILTERS" This is the item that needs regular cleaning and replacement. The motorized unit usually holds up well, it is the filter that needs constant care. So look for several of them, with filters that won't bust your bank account. I use good ole Wally World... Wal-Mart's.


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