Do Parrotlets carry diseases that could harm my 12 month old child????

Question

Hi, we've just received a Parrotlet (the smallest breed of parrot) from a realitive that passed. I have a 1 year old child. My concern is that I've heard some people say that they carry very bad diseases and others have said they don't. could someone please tell me if I have anything to be concerned about....should I get rid of the bird, or are there safety measures I should take. We always sanitize our hands after we hold it, and I try to keep my child away from the cage as much as possibe. PLEASE HELP ME! LOL....thank you!!

Answer 1

Please see the web pages for more details on Parrot fever (Psittacosis).

Answer 2

The don't carry disease unless they have one. Since you just got the bird take him in to your avian vet for a well birdy check. Do not take the bird to a regular vet as they are not usually trained to deal with birds. You can look up an avain vet in your in your area on the web. My main concern is that the bird will get hurt as your child is only a year old. Be sure the cage is up out of his/her reach and when you take the bird out only let him pet the bird in your hand and do not let him/her hold the bird. Let your child help with getting the fresh food ready for the bird daily so that he feels like he is helping. Perhaps your child can pull grapes off the stem or take the carrots out of the bag before you chop them up for the bird etc. Things should be fine so enjoy your new pet.

Answer 3

There are things that birds carry that are airborne, so washing your hands is not enough. There is a link between birds and Crohns disease, and that is enough for me to keep birds out of the home. There a lung infections and sinus infections that are a result of having birds in the home. I would not risk disease, infections and respiratory problems. Give the bird to someone else.

Answer 4

Why haven't you done a search on them?

So it took me 2 seconds to find this. No, they don't carry diseases:

http://www.prettybirds.net/parrotlets.htm