CAN I TRANSFER ILLNESSES TO MY BIRDS?

With the current COVID-19 outbreak, many people are taking precautions to prevent the spread of this coronavirus. But those of us with pet parrots may be wondering: if I get sick, can I transfer the illness to my bird?

The good news is that it isn’t likely that you would transfer this virus to your bird. Evidence right now suggests that the disease is not transferring between species. However, the American Veterinary Medical Association still recommends exercising caution and limiting contact with your pets. 

Here, we review some good habits to help keep you and your feathered friends healthy all year round.

 

Keeping a Clean Environment

To keep both the people and birds in your home healthy, it’s important to practice good hygiene. This means keeping both yourself and your bird’s environment clean.

Hand Washing

The best thing to do when interacting with your birds or any other animal is to thoroughly wash your hands both before and after handling them or any of their toys, food bowls, and cages or perches. Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to help prevent the spread of any virus or bacteria that could be on your hands. Hand sanitizer can be used as a substitute if need be.

Cleaning Cages

Your bird probably spends at least a few hours a day in their cage. Given that parrots relieve themselves pretty frequently — at least a few times an hour, depending on their size — their waste can accumulate pretty quickly on the bars of their cage and whatever material you have at the bottom of the cage (such as newspaper, sand, or pet bedding). 

Below, we share some tips for keeping your bird’s cage clean:

Todd Marcus Is Open to Serve You and Your Birds

During this difficult time, we want to assure you that we have all the supplies you need to care for your birds. If you plan on visiting the store, please call to make an appointment; only two people will be allowed in at a time. We also encourage curb-side orders. Or you can order your parrot food and supplies online for convenient delivery no matter where you are.