When *I'm* the sick one

[Carebear]

Hi all -- I'm just wondering how you care for your feathered friends when you're sick. We've had a lot of sickness at our house this month; 3 out of 4 of us have taken turns with a cold that just drags on forever (cough, sore throat, you name it). The breeder we got her from said that there's a chance of infecting birds with viruses, so we've had a major disruption in our routine. I've been afraid of infecting Birdy so although I'm the one who usually feeds her, cleans her cage, and gives her most of her time out of her cage, my youngest son has had to take over most of the duties (he's the only well one!). Except for cleaning the cage; it's just a disaster (no one else will do it). My other son (The Favorite Human) has also had to stay away from her. Each person who gets this crud is sick for almost 2 weeks, so things are just not running normally. What do you do when you're all sick? Do you still tend to your birds as usual, stay away more, or what? I'm worried that when I'm finally well, Birdy will be ticked off with me for neglecting her. Any thoughts?

[Crazy4tiels88]

well I am sorry you are sick with a cold, well when I am sick which is very rarely, one cold a year!! I don't hold them while I am sick so they don't get sick and also make sure you wash your hands before you feed your birds and after and you shouldn't pass the cold down to them! Just don't handle them or try cause if they are near your face they can get sick and If they ever get a cold you can put cod liver oil in their food and it helps colds.

[waterfaller1]

I posted the same question yesterday at TP. I have been sick since yesterday with some yucky virus. I feel so guilty, and do not have anyone to help.I managed to feed them, chop up fruits and veggies, then went back to bed.:(

[jessief423]

I had some funky virus yesterday and was going to post about this as well but I felt too bad to even get out of bed : ( I had a fever/body aches/nausea. Not quite a cold but pretty yucky. I hope someone answers. BTW, I'm feeling better today, thanks to nyquil.

[waterfaller1]

I had some funky virus yesterday and was going to post about this as well but I felt too bad to even get out of bed : ( I had a fever/body aches/nausea. Not quite a cold but pretty yucky. I hope someone answers. BTW, I'm feeling better today, thanks to nyquil.
WOW..I am in Orlando too. {hi neighbor:)}It must have been in the water or air.:confused:
I feel better today too, but not 100%. I slept almost all day yesterday.

[RockyandhisFriends]

I keep a bottle of Purell hand sanitizer with the pump in my bird room. I use it all the time wether I sick or not. Just washing your hands when your around your birds will stop the spread of most germs and bacteria.

Phil

[Carebear]

WOW, I'm sorry to hear everyone is so sick!! Get better soon! It's been so hard not to take Birdy out of her cage and fawn all over her with kisses and love. She's just so dang cute!! The cuteness just sucks you in! Hope you all feel better soon.

[Kumiko]

I just wash my hands after/before getting Kiwi. I don't get him near my face.

[lovemyboys]

i also use the hand sanitizer approach if i am sick or not - and you can get a giant germx at walgreens for four dollars.

[gina729]

Hi - My vet said we can't pass colds to birds....Wonder if it is true...I always wash my hand throughly though....Better safe than sorry!

[chapala]

Almost all human viruses are not passed on to birds, dogs, etc. Most species have specific viruses that attack them. There are very few diseases that are intra-specific, attacking more than one species. One of them is parrot fever (aka psittacosis or chlamydiosis) that can be transmitted between species including humans - that one is caused by a bacteria and can be treated with antibiotics. Other bacterial infections (salmonella, etc.) can be passed to your bird. You're okay with the common cold or the flu (both human specific viruses) as far as not infecting your bird, but take precautions if you have any bacterial infection.
Reta

[plutosmama]

what a coincidence....i was about to post/start a thread when i noticed this one

so my husband has been sick for over one month ....not serious just one of those colds thats taking forever to go away so ive had to do all the feeding and cleaning of the birds/cages but we were curious about handling because hes the one whos at home more than me and did most of the handling/playing, he has been doing it a bit but not as much

so is it really safe for him to handle them???

[waterfaller1]

Hehehe..I just have to say,^^^^^ that is the cutest pic of your parrotlet with the hat on.:D I am trying to find Jenjii a tiny horse & cart..:)