How to stay healthy around pet birds

Before purchasing or adopting a pet bird, make sure that bird is the right type of pet for your family. Know that many pet birds have a very long life span. Some parrots can live for 20 years or longer. Birds require special care and can sometimes carry germs that can make people ill Due to this, some types of birds might not be suitable for young children or people with weakened immune systems .

Wash your hands

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
    • After handling birds, their toys, food and water dishes, or other equipment
    • After cleaning bird cages
    • Before you eating or drinking any thing
  • Adults should supervise hand washing for children.
  • Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available. Be sure to have hand sanitizer readily available near the bird’s enclosure to encourage guests and children to use hand sanitizer after handling birds.

Safely clean your pet bird’s cages and equipment

  • Every time you clean cages,never pick up droppings with bare hands.Wear gloves and always wash your hands fully after cleaning or handling bird.
  • Do not use kitchen sink for cleaning any bird equipment or materials.This includes cages and food and water containers. Bacteria and other germs can cross-contaminate your food preparation areas.
  • Wash your hands right after handling your bird or any of its supplies.

Prevent bird bites and scratches

Pet birds do not have teeth, but their beaks can still cause a lot of damage if they bite you. Birds also have very sharp nails and talons. Germs can spread from bird bites and scratches, even when the wound does not seem deep or severe. Always closely supervise children around birds.  If a bird scratches or bites you, you must:

  • Wash the wounds with soap and water immediately.
  • Seek medical attention if:
    • The bird appears sick,
    • The wound is serious (uncontrolled bleeding, loss of function, extreme pain, muscle or bone exposure) or you think you need stitches,
    • The wound gets red, painful, warm, or swollen
    • It has been more than five years since you got your last tetanus shot.

If you go for medical check up , make sure to tell your doctor a bird bit or scratched you.

See Also:Safety Tips for Handling pet birds

Foods That Are Good For Your Bird’s Health

Foods That Are Good For Your Bird’s Health

If your are searching for a way to cut down on your bird's veterinary bills.And at the same time keep your bird in tip top shape as well.The solution to all this lies is in your kitchen pantry.This article is all about the most common bird safe foods that are know to...

3 Best Pet Birds for Kids

3 Best Pet Birds for Kids

If your kid has asked for a pet bird.It is necessary to find a bird that can coexist well with your child.There are many things to keep in mind before bringing a bird into your home.It includes care requirements,social needs,noise level and off coarse the cost....

8 Best Friendly Pet Bird Species

8 Best Friendly Pet Bird Species

It is true that people want to keep such bird as a pet who is friendly and gentle.It is quiet easy to get bond with a bird who has a friendly disposition rather than one that tends to be timid and aggressive. I am going to list down eight friendliest pet bird species...