Cockatiels are very messy(dusty) compared to Lovebirds. I'm guessing your Lovebirds were molting(shedding) and the Cockatiels haven't yet. They will both molt about 1-3 times a year, it depends on diet, temperature and sunlight.
If the cages are covered and don't have space/bars/air coming from all around the cage it will create a lot of mess in the air when they do move/fly around and Lovebirds are very active. It'll be like a opened vacuum cleaner shooting out dust.
The bedding(I use newspaper) should be changed daily.
I used to use a Hepa air purifier running 24/7 but no longer have one. Though I will be getting one again since they do help keep the birds mess under control as well as human made dust.
By the way, when you get allergies the first thing most doctors will say is to give away the pets. I used to get seasonal allergies, I once got a allergic reaction to a tea and even had something that looked like allergies/cold when I was eating unhealthy and was stressed, must of lowered my immune system. But hey, blame the pets.
The funny thing is for an allergy-prone family you guys kept the worst offenders.
Cockatiels are one of the three powder-down birds (along with cockatoos and african greys) and are never recommended for people with allergies and asthma.
If you were going to rehome any of your birds the cockatiels would of been my recommendation as those are most likely the culprits for your symptoms.
Also----proper hygiene will help. Cages need to be cleaned daily. Left for a week is gross and a health hazard to you and the bird. Birds should be bathed 1-2 times a week (this will cut down on dander). Run a HEPA air purifier near the cage and dust frequently. Wear a mask when cleaning.
The other thing is that birds are messy. If that's not ok with you...then you need to rethink birds.
This should allow to keep your birds...and yes, I think you should go back and get your lovebirds. Rehome the cockatiels or place them in a rescue. But please don't just dump them at the pet shop.
Go get them back, Bird's don't adjust to good once they have been with there owner's for a while. They will be stressed and depressed.
I had 2 pair of lovebirds and a pair of cockatiel but then I had to give my lovebirds away as I and my family have developed cold allergies due to their tiny feathers and the doctor as well suggested us to give the birds away but I was little hesitant about it but my parents insisted on giving them away, also I have a big cage made up in the wall and the droppings of my birds made the cage a big mess and also the cleaning would get us tired every Sunday. Any how we have retained the cockateils as they don't fly much and don't make the cage messy.
We gave away our 2 pair of lovebirds this Sunday whom we had for over 9 months in a nearby pet shop. Today, when I went to the pet shop my lovebirds recognised me and flew to the cage door and sat there calling me out loudly. I was really moved and touched by this, ever since then I have been thinking a lot about them and feeling low thinking I shouldn't have given them away as I miss them a lot.
What can I do?? Shall I get them back or give them away for life??
