BaileysPapa Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 A friend bought a house about 2 years ago. Since she had more room, she expanded her flock, and adopted a Macaw and a Grey to keep her Cockatoo company. A little while later, she developed headaches, runny nose, and other cold like symptoms. She refused to believe she was allergic to the birds. But, after extensive testing, and further complications, it was assumed it must be the birds. She tried everything to minimize dander, air conditions, and even exposure to the birds. But, she got worse as time went on. So, about 8 months ago, she sadly & tearfully rehomed all of her birds. Her health did not improve very much. Two weeks ago, she & her husband decided to do some remodeling. When they tore down some walls, they discovered that her whole house is full of mold & mildew, between the walls, etc. A very common problem here in Florida. Her doctor has now established that she was reacting to the mold, and is probably not allergic to birds! She's just devastated. The birds are all in good, loving homes, and have adjusted to their new guardians, who love them very much. She's besides herself. I took two old Budgies from her, and have since returned them. But, she feels that it would not be fair to the big birds to even ask for them back. They've gone through rehoming to her, then rehoming from her, and she thinks that wouldn't be fair to them. Though, she would love to get them back. She has not approached their new guardians. What do you guys think about this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timbersmom Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 I think I would contact the new caretakers, tell them the situation, and ask that they contact me first if they are every considering rehoming the birds they got from me regardless of the circumstances... What a sad situation! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danmcq Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 Oh no, how sad! You would think an allergy specialist could have tested her to see what it was specifically before her finding new homes for her very much loved birds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvparrots Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 This is a sad situation. Personally, I would contact the new owners and ask if all is going well with the re-homing. And as Timbersmom suggested ask the new caregivers to contact me first if they ever decide to rehome these parrots. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inara Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 Very sad, indeed. Here your friend thought she was doing everything possible to prevent this situation. I can only imagine her devastation at it all. If there is a silver lining, the mold issue could have developed into something very harmful to the birds also had they had continued exposure. I agree with the thoughts on contacting the current homes of the birds, being candid about the end result of it all, and asking that if they ever have to consider rehoming, for them to contact her first. Gosh, she has to feel at such a loss. Your understanding and friendship must mean a lot to her right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brat Birds Posted March 4, 2014 Share Posted March 4, 2014 I agree, contact the new owners to find out if all is well. Then ask if they will contact you if they ever want to re-home the birds again and give you first chance. So sad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kins2321@yahoo.com Posted March 4, 2014 Share Posted March 4, 2014 I would take one step back! Have your friend get tested for " bird allergies". Those more sensitive to mold and mildew, tend to have allergies to other animal dander.When asked to rescue our first bird that LOVED ryan, I got both my kids tested for bird dander. Negative. Positive to cat dander and specific dogs. Birds were okay. Hense... Sunny came home. It was so important to Ryan for Sunny to come home, I got tested as well. Negative. I feel strongly, that people can't adopt any animal they are allergic too.I was allergic to my cat while growing up, and have NEVER forgot the asthma attacks I experienced. Your friend should get tested... then approach the other families to see if they are interested in letting birds come home. Odds are not, and if birds are settled, that is what is important. Nancy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SRSeedBurners Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 Blessing in disguise maybe. I bet some of the birds may have come down with aspergillosis if they continued on in that home. I too would contact all the new parronts and just explain the situation. Otherwise I'd be off to the parrot rescues to restock!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acappella Posted March 6, 2014 Share Posted March 6, 2014 I know it's heartbreaking, but they still did the right thing because they got the birds out of an environment that could have made them very sick. After they get the mold problem solved maybe they can keep their ears,eyes, and hearts, open to find a bird in need that could be welcomed into their family Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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