I don't own birds, but a friend of mine does and she has 13 of them!!!! She suffers from MS and I just don't think this many birds in a house is healthy, especially with her illness. Am I wrong?
2006-12-21 17:32:00 · 5 answers · asked by fallingstar 4 in Pets ➔ Birds
they're cockatiels (sp?).
2006-12-21 19:11:47 · update #1
It depends upon how well ventilated her house is and whether it has any mold problems, but she may be opening herself up to aspergillosis or environmental lung diseases. In aspergillosis, or "bird lung", aspergillus (mold) grows in the mucous in the lungs that are coated with a sufficient layer of bird dander. It's common in older homes, or in homes where mold begins to grow in cage-bottom paper. In general, environmental lung diseases are also caused by breathing dust from feathers and droppings. Diseases that flock birds transmit -- hope she's had them all vet checked for psittacosis - are also spread primarily through these mediums.
If she keeps a clean house and changes out their paper every day, and has an adequate ventilation system, and a house that doesn't stink of mold, let her enjoy her birds until she does develop a respiratory ailment. Encourage her to start running a closed aviary (not introducing outsider birds), because psittacosis can spread to immunosuppressed people. The AFA encourages closed aviaries at this time.
It is work -- I have lots of parrot babies -- but it's soothing and I think it makes my life better. Ask her to set a ceiling for the benefit of your doubt.
2006-12-21 20:54:01 · answer #1 · answered by Em 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have four birds. Two macaws, African Grey, and a miniature cockatoo. I clean there cages and food bowls daily. (This is a must!) I have a big Avery outside were I put them during the day. They go inside at night in there own individual cages.
I would evaluate the situation. If she is living with birds and she is not living in a healthy environment, you have a reason to be worried. So many birds can be overwhelming to take care of. If there not in the best conditions, the birds will most likely get sick. Plus, that cant be good for your friend. Contact the ASPCA (The American Society for the prevention of cruelty to Animals) in her area. The local animal shelter could help evaluate the situation as well. Report your concerns to them. There there to help. You will be doing a good thing for your Friend.
2006-12-24 02:42:10 · answer #2 · answered by Capibestboy1 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depends on the size of the birds. If she is comfortable with that many and can take care of the them then it is ok. But if she is asking for help to care for the birds then it is to many birds for her.
2006-12-22 02:48:02 · answer #3 · answered by Jusme 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It depends on what kinds of birds your friend has and if the birds can be properly cared for. 13 finches would be easy, but 13 large parrots would be too much.
2006-12-22 02:22:58 · answer #4 · answered by NeckLover 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
YOU ARE NOT NECESSARILY WRONG. GIVEN HER ILLNESS, HAVING THAT MANY PETS CAN BE MORE WORK THAT SHE CAN STAND. I THINK IT DEPENDS ON THE SIZE OF THE BIRDS (THE BIGGER,THE MESSIER) AND HER ABILITY TO CARE FOR THEM. I PERSONALLY HAVE 6 BIRDS, BUT THEY ARE SMALL AND EASY TO CARE FOR. PETS HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO HELP THEIR OWNERS RELAX, THEY BRING A SPECIAL JOY INTO OUR LIVES THAT IS HARD TO EXPLAIN, SO WHAT YOU THINK IS HURTING HER MIGHT ACTUALLY BE GOOD FOR HER. TALK TO HER ABOUT IT, IF ITS TOO MUCH SHE MIGHT NEED YOUR HELP, IF NOT AT LEAST YOUR MIND WILL BE AT EASE.
2006-12-22 01:52:19 · answer #5 · answered by lola7737 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋