Do ducks have dander like chickens?

[6 littleHens]

I have been having allergy symptoms to everything so bad that now take allergy med nightly and flonase every morning if I dont my throat swells and is very painful. I was told that ducks were different than chickens as they have oil glands but need to know about cleaning after them in a coop before I switch to ducks. Yes, I still have 7 silkie/showgirl hens and 6 six week olds. I dont really want to let them go.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I don't know if they have less dander. What is different is chickens clean themselves by rolling in dirt. Ducks take baths and waterproof their feathers, so technically you should have less dander. I keep a parrot, and if I don't give him a shower on a regular basis he starts producing more dust. So the water cuts down on free dander.

 

[lomine]

I am allergic to duck down so I had a hard time when I had my ducklings brooding in the house. It got better when they started to feather. I don't have any problems now when I'm with them outside. I haven't noticed if they produce a dander. I don't know your set-up but I will say that the dust that gets worked up when I turn the deep litter can sometimes irritate my allergies. Have you considered that you might be allergic to something else, like the bedding you are using?

 

[6 littleHens]

Yes I am allergic to bedding. Have been but also know allergic to birds. Just was told that could be spice/pepper allergy! Hope not cause dont know that I could live without my black pepper. I do have a lot of allergies and need further testing but would like to try raising ducks and let my chickens go as I feel I have severe symptoms after caring for them in coop most days. It is better since I started allergy meds

 

[lomine]

Well it certainly won't be any fun if you are having such horrible reactions. If it's not fun then what's the point? Sorry to hear about the other allergies you might have.

If it was just the bedding I would have suggested changing to sand. If you are also allergic to the bedding you are going to have to think about what you are going to use for ground cover for the ducks. Pea gravel is an option but it gets really gross in the winter when the temps freeze and you can't rinse it off. I have read that some people use artificial turf and have had success with it. That shouldn't bother your allergies but it could be expensive. Concrete only is bad as it can cause bumble foot. Maybe that trex deck flooring stuff. That won't rot like wood and it is smoother than concrete. But it's expensive too.

I'm thinking you'll still need to provide an area with shavings or straw for egg laying and a place to snuggle when the weather gets cold.

If you have some other duck related questions you should check out the Duck forum in the Other Backyard Poultry section. Good luck.

 

[Jensownzoo]

I just figured out that I'm allergic to pine shavings (I get hives instead of respiratory)--allergies are the pits!

Any animal with skin will shed dead skin cells (dander) but since the duck waterproofs their feathers with oil, their dander doesn't tend to get airborne...it sticks to the feathers until the duck preens it off, swallowing most of it I imagine.

 

[6 littleHens]

I think I'm getting a few ducks and sell off my silkies. I really love my silkies and have had few for almost 4 years but need to try something. I will also try using some artificial turf. Just recently found out that could be black pepper. Spoke to a doctor at work and he agreed most likely pepper or spice since my uvula swells and throat is painful. I have stopped using it for few days then I will use it and see and I've been using over the counter allergy meds that help. However, the doctor said I needed to carry an epipen. I know I need to get to a specialist but paying out to have cat surgery and had to get a new washer. Thanks for all the responses!