Parakeets are not exactly the same as chickens, IMO, but naturally, if you let that type of dust build up in your house, it would cause problems! Here is what you may be talking about, brooster:
Allergic Alveolitis
Allergic alveolitis has a number of names among which include hypersensitivity pneumonitis, parakeet dander pneumoconiosis and pigeon lung disease. It occurs in people who are hypersensitive to feathers, feather dust, and fecal material -- especially from pigeons and budgies. Signs can occur within two years but often take as long as 10 - 20 years with continued exposure.
It may occur in an acute, subacute or chronic form. The acute form occurs within 4 - 8 hours of inhalation of a high level of feathers, featherdust and/or feces. Coughing, difficulty breathing, chills and fever occur. If exposure is stopped at this time, no treatment is necessary and the signs will disappear. The subacute form results from long term exposure. A dry cough and progresssive breathing difficulty occur. This form may also be reversed if continued exposure is stopped. If continued exposure occurs, a chronic, nonreversible form occurs -- leading to progressive difficulty breathing, a dry cough and weight loss.
Allergic alveolitis decreases lung capacity and causes impaired diffusion of air through the alveoli of the lungs.
Although this disease is thought to occur in genetically predisposed individuals, one can take certain steps to minimize dander in the environment. These include cleaning cages daily, bathing birds frequently, avoiding overcrowding, providing good ventilation, and using an air purification system.
