Could my bird catch my cold??

[TeenageBirdMom]

So I've had a pretty nasty illness of some sort for about a week now, I went to the doctor and was prescribed an antibiotic. I was having pretty high fevers and of course I live in close contact with my parrots and have to give them attention even while I'm sick and I'm really afraid they could catch whatever I have. However, their body temperatures average about 105 degrees and my fevers didn't break 102 so does anyone have any insight on if my birds could catch what I have or is it really unlikely?? They're still acting healthy and just as rambunctious as usual, but put them on supplements to raise their immune systems just in case..

 

[Allee]

I'm sorry you have a cold, hope you feel better soon.

It's highly unlikely your birds will catch your cold. Most human cold and flu viruses are not transmittable to birds, the rare ones that are transmittable aren't easily transferred.

If you have been coughing or sneezing, don't be surprised or alarmed if your birds start coughing and/or sneezing too. It doesn't mean they've caught your cold, it just means they have a sense of humor.

 

[Kalidasa]

"If you have been coughing or sneezing, don't be surprised or alarmed if your birds start coughing and/or sneezing too. It doesn't mean they've caught your cold, it just means they have a sense of humor".

Lol so true! A friend of mine has a CAG, and she also has chronic bronchitis, so she coughs a lot. She called me in a panic one morning saying "Guido is making coughing noises". I came over that day, and it was obvious he learned to mimic her cough. We were rolling!

 

[RavensGryf]

I second Allee's post. I wouldn't worry. Hope you get better soon.

Raven LOVES to do the "cough". He can literally go on for an hour or more it's funny for the first few seconds, then it becomes very annoying!

 

[TeenageBirdMom]

Thank you all! I've been really worried so that helps a lot!

 

[Hawk]

So I've had a pretty nasty illness of some sort for about a week now, I went to the doctor and was prescribed an antibiotic. I was having pretty high fevers and of course I live in close contact with my parrots and have to give them attention even while I'm sick and I'm really afraid they could catch whatever I have. However, their body temperatures average about 105 degrees and my fevers didn't break 102 so does anyone have any insight on if my birds could catch what I have or is it really unlikely?? They're still acting healthy and just as rambunctious as usual, but put them on supplements to raise their immune systems just in case..

Very unlikely your bird will catch your cold....That said, germs in mouth (humans) can harm a bird...never let a bird eat from your mouth or have any food that has been in your mouth....we have 10,000 germs in our mouths at any given time, birds are not equipped to fight off our germs should they get infected. But it's direct contact with saliva that is the culprit.

Had a friend that lost 2 of their birds because he let them take treats from his mouth.

Other than that, no ...colds and flu's are not transferable to birds...Confusing as it seems, viruses are one thing and birds are not prone to them....germs on the other hand is a different ball game altogether.

 

[MikeyTN]

Like it's been said above they should not be able to catch it. But always be wise to sanitize your hands. I don't hold mine when I'm sick. Due to what happened to one of the previous posters off here, all his birds passed after he got ill. So after what had happened to his birds, I've been just extra cautious when I'm ill.

 

[Kyoto]

Just to be clear, they may not catch your cold but they can catch a cold. My old lovebird sassy caught one, but the vet fixed her up with a sime medication for her water dish. I was amazed that it was such an easy fix

 

[houndoomwolf]

Before I got Talon I did research on how to take care of my bird and what to do and I found that subject and if I remember it yes they can I'm not for sure but if you have a cold wear a mask to cover your mouth and nose that way you won't get him sick and clean your hand before holding your bird

 

[JerseyWendy]

Before I got Talon I did research on how to take care of my bird and what to do and I found that subject and if I remember it yes they can I'm not for sure but if you have a cold wear a mask to cover your mouth and nose that way you won't get him sick and clean your hand before holding your bird

I'm sorry, but you were misinformed. Your pet bird cannot catch your common cold, nor can your bird get the human flu.

Psittacosis is transmittable (Chlamydia psittaci) as is Salmonella.
Winged Wisdom Pet Bird Magazine - Zoonotic (Bird-Human) Diseases: Psittacosis, Salmonellosis

Winged Wisdom Pet Bird Magazine - Zoonotic (Bird-Human) Diseases: Allergic Alveolitus, Campylobacteriosis, New Castles

Winged Wisdom Pet Bird Magazine - Zoonotic (Bird-Human) Diseases: Avian Tuberculosis

 

[houndoomwolf]

Ohhh ok thx

 

[OneHorseRanch]

I hope you feel better shortly. Our GCC sneezes..AH AH AH.. CHEW!! It's hilarious...LOL..

 

[Hawk]

I hope you feel better shortly. Our GCC sneezes..AH AH AH.. CHEW!! It's hilarious...LOL..

ha ha ha ha.....yeah my grey makes sneezes, coughs, farts, barks like the dogs....and many other odd ball noises....Darn bird been watching too much TV. LOL.

 

[RavensGryf]

I hope you feel better shortly. Our GCC sneezes..AH AH AH.. CHEW!! It's hilarious...LOL..

ha ha ha ha.....yeah my grey makes sneezes, coughs, farts, barks like the dogs....and many other odd ball noises....Darn bird been watching too much TV. LOL.

Riiight. He learned the fart sounds from the tv :18::18:!!! Sorry, I couldn't resist!

 

[Hawk]

I hope you feel better shortly. Our GCC sneezes..AH AH AH.. CHEW!! It's hilarious...LOL..

ha ha ha ha.....yeah my grey makes sneezes, coughs, farts, barks like the dogs....and many other odd ball noises....Darn bird been watching too much TV. LOL.

Riiight. He learned the fart sounds from the tv :18::18:!!! Sorry, I couldn't resist!

Ahh ha ha......silly you.....he got that from the dog! ( ha ha ha) Actually he may have gotten it from the movie " grown-ups 2" where they do the Snarts....LOL

 

[RavensGryf]

Didn't see that movie. At least you didn't blame it on the wife !

 

[JerseyWendy]

Didn't see that movie. At least you didn't blame it on the wife !

Wanna come and help me clean my monitor now, Miss Julie?