Pregnancy and birds?

Question

Is it alright to mess with a bird while you are pregnant? I have two Cockatiels and I'm scared to play with them and clean there cage...I'm 17 weeks pregnant. Those birds are my other babies, and I heard from some people that I can't touch, play with them, or clean their cage. Everytime I go by their cage they cherp at me to take them out.

Answer 1

I was raising birds when I was pregnant and I had 3 healthy kids so I wouldnt worry about it.


Sapphyre
Certified Avian Specialist
http://www.borrowed-rainbow.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BorrowedRainbowAviary/

Answer 2

I never heard of that. I only heard not to change kitty litter. I am 23 weeks pregnant. I got rid of my litter box and shortly after my cat ran away. :( If I could do it over I would have kept her litter box. If you had the birds before pregnant then I would think it was fine. Your body is immune to stuff like that. Maybe when you clean the cage you can wear a bandana around your face (nose and mouth) But I would hold the birds and play with them still. Maybe just wash your hands after. I dont think it will be a problem. Good luck and best wishes

Answer 3

Yes, It is perfectly ok to play and care for your birds. I have 2 'Keets, 5'Tiels and a Blue Fronted Amazon and I am 21 weeks pregnant. Unless your birds have Psittacosis (avian form of chlamydia, respiratory disease, NOT Venereal), you should be ok just following your normal routine. (You can get your birds tested for it at an Avian vet's office.) You know, wash hands with soap and water before and after handling them or cleaning cages. Basic good hygiene applies to everything. My lover 'Tiel(Cheetoh) likes to sit on my belly now and is still looking at me trying to figure out how I am making him bounce when he does! I'm just one big playground now! However , if you need medical reassurance, e-mail my avian Vet, Dr. Sam Vaughn at www.vetcity.com. There is a section where you can e-mail anyone of the staff with questions. He told me that there was absolutely NO reason to get rid of ours, and that we would probably regret it if we did. I DO recommend a thorough Avian Exam for all birds, since they are good at hiding illnesses.

Answer 4

just take them out and make sure u are very careful with them ive never heard of never being able to play or clean a birds cage just cause ur pregnant i mean i have heard of like no painting but thats it

Answer 5

People need to put their kids before their pets. Get rid of the birds. Once the baby is born you're not going to have time for them anyway so you might as well get rid of them now. And no, it's not safe to be around birds while you are pregnant. The feces is harmful and disgusting and you shouldn't be around it.

Answer 6

there is a few info suggesting that parrots have a feeling of scent (no longer all birds do). So that is conceivable that they are smelling transformations in you (as a results of hormonal adjustments) and reacting to those. you're able to attempt asking this in a poultry vendors' communicate board.

Answer 7

I'd stay away from the birds just in case, you don't to hurt the baby.

Answer 8

Birds are dirty animals. Your fetus would be safer with you smoking two packs a day.

Answer 9

ask your dr...
i think the only thing your friends are thinking of is...you know when you go into a pet store, and they have that sign up that says"if you've been in contact with other birds from another store, please dont' touch our birds"...

Answer 10

i'm not sure, ask ur doctor.