Anyone else extremely allergic to chickens?

[BYCforlife]

I'm really sad to have to let them go, but I'm going to have to stop raising chickens, or at least get rid of all but my favorites. Since I started raising chickens, my allergies have slowly gotten worse. Today was when I truly decided something had to be done when I collected 2 eggs from my very recently cleaned coop. I was only in there for a maximum of 10 seconds, but on my way back to the house I started sneezing like crazy. My throat got itchy, and my eyes started watering.

I think my plan is to get rid of my 30 laying hens, and keep my 7 silkies and 15 or so "ornamental" breeds. (They're nothing special, but I bought them for looks.)
Of course I'll keep my ducks too, but they stay outside most of the time so they don't cause problems.

I am reluctant to completely give up because I just spent a lot into building a third chicken coop. I am already allergic to everything with fur, cedar, lots of fabrics, our basement gave me allergies for years, and this whole summer I had a reaction every day if I stayed in the house.

So yeah, that's my problem. Allergies run in my family. So do lots of noses.

 

[sourland]

Allergies to poultry dander are not at all uncommon. Pigeon allergies are generally among the worst and most serious. I always wore a canister type filter when handling birds or cleaning lofts. Sadly these allergies generally become worse with continuous exposure.

 

[BYCforlife]

Allergies to poultry dander are not at all uncommon. Pigeon allergies are generally among the worst and most serious. I always wore a canister type filter when handling birds or cleaning lofts. Sadly these allergies generally become worse with continuous exposure.

Well, it's good to know I'm not alone! I do wear a mask when cleaning out the coops, but not when I collect eggs or feed them. I do have experience with worsening allergies.

 

[sourland]

I spent the majority of my working period in a research facility, and in spite of taking precautions I am allergic to rats and their urine, rabbits and guinea pigs.