Can my pigeons make me sick?

[newscaredy]

this is a bit of a important question, but is it possible they can harm humans? My family is wanting to get rid of mine, which doesnt feel so good. They’re indoors.

 

[biophiliac]

Only one health issue related to pigeons that I know of...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bird_fancier's_lung
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2517056/

 

[Old_Strain_Lover]

As long as you keep things clean and wash hands etc., they shouldn't make you sick, however there are always exceptions to the rule. I mean when you think about it, I suppose any animal could make you sick somehow. I personally don't keep any animals in the house as I just don't think it's the place for them. Is it possible it build a small enclosure for them outdoors?

 

[sourland]

Some people are extremely sensitive to pigeon dander and can develop allergic lung problems. Check the links provided by @biophiliac.

 

[backyard pigeons]

this is a bit of a important question, but is it possible they can harm humans? My family is wanting to get rid of mine, which doesnt feel so good. They’re indoors.

the main thing is pigeon dust. If you keep their cage clean and give your birds a bath every couple of days, this will help. Can you keep them outside?

always wear a dust mask while cleaning. I used to not, and I would sometimes get sick and be on the couch for 2-3 days. It was awful. As soon as I wore dust mask when I cleaned it, I haven't gotten sick again. It is no joke with the dust, but there are things you can do to help.
keep them outside if at all possible!

 

[Qwerty3159]

Any animal can get you sick within reason.

this is a bit of a important question, but is it possible they can harm humans? My family is wanting to get rid of mine, which doesnt feel so good. They’re indoors.

Just figured I'd ask, does this mean you don't like the idea of getting rid of the pigeon, or that the pigeon itself is ill? There are some illnesses like salmonella or E. coli that one can get from pigeons and other domestic birds if they're sick with it but that's generally due to unhygienic keeping of the birds and then human contact with their feces.

 

[Hokum Coco]

They’re indoor is it possible they can harm humans?

Being housed in doors I do not recommend. Short answer is yes and no. You are at greater risk if you immune system is deficient or have asthma or any type of lung disorder.
I believe people that are effected by pigeon dust have a predisposition to it. Some people are allergic to peanut butter and shell fish is what I would compare it to.

I have 70 trips around the sun been raising pigeons for decades in an outside loft. Take few precautions and for the most part am in good health. I have in the neighbourhood of 50 birds.

 

[cavemanrich]

@newscaredy
You got good advice above.
All I wanted to add is,,,

 

[PigeonLady]

Good advice for sure. Just a point I'd like to add... pigeons are hardy outdoor birds that prefer to be outside in the fresh air. Build them a nice coop, put them out there, and they will thank you for it. Been raising them for 20 years.