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