Air Purifiers or Humidifiers

[Letta4]

So, I have a grey, green cheek, lovebird and budgie and was wondering what everyone thought about keeping an air purifier or humidifier around. Before I got my grey I never really worried about it but now that i have her, I have noticed a significant amount of dust. Would it be better to have an air purifier or humidifier? I live in Chicago and it can get pretty cold and dry around here in the winter months and I don't know which we would benefit from more. Anyone have some insight?

[Andromeda]

Parrots in the wild live in humid environments so they can greatly benefit from a humidifier in the winter months if the heater is running all the time because the low humidity can dry out their skin and can potentially lead to respiratory infections.

That being said, you have to clean a humidifier EVERY DAY and by that I don't just mean use new water, I mean disinfect it first and then use new water. It's a major PITA but I'd do anything for my birds.

I don't see why you can't use one alongside an air purifier. When I lived in Boston I used both an air purifier and a humidifier in the same room with my birds. Hopefully that wasn't the wrong thing to do. :O

[Letta4]

Yea, the one thing I worried about most with the humidifier was the mold. What kind of disinfectant did you use on yours?

[Andromeda]

I followed the manufacturer's instructions in the manual which was to mix bleach with water. I don't remember the ratio of bleach to water because this was 4 years ago and I don't live up north anymore so I don't need a humidifier.

After rinsing it thoroughly with bleach and water I rinsed it out with just water three times to be completely sure any bleach smell/residue was gone. Then I'd fill it with water and run it until the next morning when I'd clean it again.

I'm sure whatever humidifier you buy will come with instructions on how to clean it. I know that as an alternative to bleach/water you can use vinegar/water instead. Again, not sure of the ratio.

[CheroneseGirl]

I've used both for years and so far, so good...except I still have powder dander everywhere lol So, if anyone has some other good ideas on controlling this I'd really like to hear (read) them.

I strongly recommend investing in good HVAC filters, Swiffer dusters and HEPA vacuum filters and showers with the parrot, too.