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Have you every tried wearing one of those paper masks with the ventilation filter in the middle? I can't breath well enough with a solid paper mask, but have to wear a mask when doing major cleaning in the coop or I am unable to breath for several days afterwards. When I see how filthy the paper mask is, I realize how much it kept out of my lungs. If you buy them a dozen at a time at a paint supply store, they are much less expensive than if you buy them one at a time at the hardware store.
The dust generally doesn't bother me much, but lately I have been suffering from severe bronchitis. I went to the doctor and got some meds but they don't seem to be helping any. I have to wait until Monday to call, becauswe the doctor's office is closed on Friday. I didn't know this because I just switched to this doctor. I got a new insurance and was forced to get a new doctor. My usual doctor doesn't accept Cigna.
Anyways back to the question at hand. I have not tried the masks. I usually can't stand something over my face. I'm not usually chlosterphobic, but I can be persuaded when you cover my face.
This is for all of us that have chickens. You have to wear a mask when cleaning coops and confined spaces where chickens have been in. We all know chickens poop and they have dander which is from the feather sheafs shedding and skin. That is what the dust in their coops consists of. I kept getting respitory and sinus infections and finally when I told my doctor I had chickens he ask me if I wore a respirator when I clean up after them. Of course I did not at the time. Lets just say I say a rather mild mannered guy get a bit cranky with me.
Now I always wear a mask and rubber gloves when cleaning the coop. Surprisingly I have not had a respitory or sinus infection since then.
You know I love my birds they are my feathered children but I will be the first one to tell you they are some of the nastiest animals I have ever dealth with. Plus it is a lot cheaper to spend even $5-10 on a mask and gloves then $50 copay in addition to prescriptions and time off work.
Please do not take this as me getting on my high horse. I just want everyone to be as healthy as possible, cuz you all are my "PEEPS"!