Do you love parrots, but are concerned that you might be allergic to them?
Are you wanting to get a parrot but perhaps not sure which type to get to avoid potential allergic reactions?
Then this article is for you.
Many people who are thinking about getting a parrot ask whether there are specific hypoallergenic parrots that might be the ideal fit for their family, or whether there are ways to make parrots less allergy inducing.
So to answer this question simply before diving more deeply into the specifics, are parrots hypoallergenic?
Yes, some parrots are hypoallergenic. However, this does not apply to all parrots. Parrots who produce less dander, such as parakeets, are hypoallergenic and therefore less likely to cause an allergic reaction than other parrots. Non-hypoallergenic parrots can cause allergic reactions in some people, including flu-like symptoms such as a runny nose or sore eyes and throat.
| More hypoallergenic parrots: | Less hypoallergenic parrots: |
| Parakeets | African Grey parrots |
| Macaws | Cockatiels |
| Eclectus parrots | Cockatoos |
Here’s what we’ll be covering in this article:
What does hypoallergenic mean?
What can happen if a parrot is non-hypoallergenic?
What causes allergic reactions from parrots?
How can allergies caused by parrots be treated?
Which parrots are more likely to be hypoallergenic?
Which parrots are less likely to be hypoallergenic?
I hope this article helps you to manage and prevent any allergic reactions to parrots in your home.
Let’s dive into the details:
What does hypoallergenic mean?
If something is “hypoallergenic”, that means it is less likely to cause someone to have an allergic reaction.
In foods, this refers to things which can be consumed without causing a reaction, whereas with pets it generally relates to the impact the animal’s fur or feathers may have.
In parrots, a hypoallergenic bird is one which is less likely to cause someone to have an allergic reaction when they are exposed to the bird.
Many people take time to carefully find a hypoallergenic breed before choosing any pet.
What can happen if a parrot is non-hypoallergenic?
If a parrot is not hypoallergenic, they are more likely to cause allergic reactions in their owners or any visitors who they may come into contact with.
These reactions will differ in type and severity depending on the person who is experiencing them.
For some people, they may experience a mild reaction such as a slightly runny nose.
Where people are strongly allergic to the bird’s dander, it could cause reactions that are similar to asthma attacks.
Not everyone who experiences sensitivity caused by a particular allergen such as a parrot will experience all of the symptoms.
Some people may only have one symptom, such as sore eyes, while others may experience multiple symptoms at once including rashes or difficulty breathing.
Many people will not be allergic to any kinds of parrots and will experience no reaction whatsoever regardless of which type of parrot they are exposed to – like food allergies, it differs strongly from one person to another.
What causes allergic reactions from parrots?
The prime culprit in allergic reactions from parrots is dander.
A parrot’s dander is their feathers and the particles of dust within their feathers.
When a parrot moves around, dander is thrust into the air.
From the air, it can then land on our skin or we can breathe it in.
This can then cause an allergic reaction.
For example, if we inhale the dander, we might find that we start coughing or sneezing shortly after coming into contact with the parrot, even if we aren’t initially aware of the cause of this reaction.
Dander isn’t the only cause of parrot-induced allergic reactions, however.
Exposure to a bird’s fecal matter can also cause an allergic reaction, as can dust mites.
Dander, like the mites, is not always immediately visible to the naked eye.
In some cases, it may appear as a white powder-like substance.
In others, it can have an oily texture due to the oils released by parrots to care for their feathers.
This oily coating can make it a harder job to stay on top of cleaning the dander, as it is not as easy to simply dust away like the white powdery dander is.
This can make it harder to reduce your reactions to the birds you are exposed to, as the oily dander can remain in your immediate environment for longer than usual, unless you are diligently removing it using cleaning fluids designed to tackle oily substances.
How can allergies caused by parrots be treated?
One crucial aspect to reducing the chances of members of your household or your visitors experiencing allergic reactions to your parrots is careful cleaning.
This includes regular dusting and vacuuming to remove any powder-like dander, as well as wiping down all surfaces with cleaning fluids which are designed to tackle oily substances.
Using and regularly emptying an air filtration system can also help to manage and prevent the build up of dander in your home.
Personal cleaning can also make a big difference to the prevention of reactions, both for yourself and your parrot.
Make sure to wash your hands after every time you touch the bird, and arrange regular baths for your parrot to encourage them to clean themselves and remove excess dander.
If you’re experiencing an allergic reaction of some kind caused by exposure to a non-hypoallergenic parrot, such as itching, a sore throat, runny nose, red eyes or difficulty breathing; contact your doctor.
They will be able to assess the scale of your reaction and how it needs to be treated, as well as whether it is safe for you to be in contact with that parrot going forward.
Your doctor’s recommendations might include taking specific medications or topical creams depending on the type of reaction, or in some extreme cases removing the parrot from your home altogether.
In this instance, we recommend contacting a trustworthy parrot rescue centre in your area to ensure that the parrot is rehomed safely and responsibly.
Which parrots are more likely to be hypoallergenic?
Essentially, the most crucial thing to look out for when trying to choose a parrot who will be less likely to cause allergic reactions is the amount of dander they produce.
The more dander, the more likely it is that people will experience an allergic reaction to a parrot.
Smaller birds are therefore a good option generally as they naturally have less feathers and therefore less dander overall.
Do bear in mind however that there are no birds where it is completely impossible for them to cause an allergic reaction.
It’s therefore recommended that you spend time in the company of your parrot, so that you can make sure that you don’t experience any symptoms following contact, before welcoming them into your home.
Common choices for hypoallergenic parrots include:
Parakeets
Also known as “budgies”, parakeets produce limited amounts of dander so are generally the most popular option for people looking to welcome a hypoallergenic parrot into their home.
Parakeets are small, friendly birds who are often very sociable and easy to tame.
Pionus Parrots
Originally from South and Central America,
Pionus parrots are brightly colored and known for their chunky body shapes.
They tend to be more hypoallergenic than many other parrot species.
Ecletus Parrots
These colorful parrots are also a common suggestion for hypoallergenic birds.
They are very calm in nature and remain relatively small compared to many other parrot species.
Macaws
Macaws produce very limited dander so are another good choice in hypoallergenic parrots.
Macaws are also an ideal option because, due to their rainforest and jungle habitats in the wild, they really enjoy a bath.
This means that they are easier to keep clean than some other parrot species.
Which parrots are less likely to be hypoallergenic?
“Powder down” parrots are among those most likely to cause allergic reactions.
This is due to the fact that they produce large amounts of powdery dander which then lands on the skin, comes into contact with the eyes or is inhaled, causing a reaction.
Types of powder down parrots include, but are not limited to, African Greys, Cockatiels and Cockatoos.
So there you have it; the less dander they produce, the more hypoallergenic a bird will be.
Having a hypoallergenic parrot reduces your chances of experiencing allergic reactions such as sneezing, sore throat and eyes or difficulty breathing.
The symptoms can also be reduced through careful and regular cleaning of your home, your hands and the parrot itself.