Handling the birds or not

[ParrotLover2001]

I woke up with a cold this morning, and was wondering if it is ok to handle my birds while sick. I always avoided handling my flock while I'm sick. I leave the cage door open and let them do whatever they want, and then I towel the clipped birds if they aren't in the cage at the end of the day. Last time I was sick, in December, I only had Elvis and Chrissy, both were fully flighted so they went back to their cage on their own. Jordan isn't clipped, so she can't get back to her cage on her own. Jordan is also a Lovebird, and they need lots of interaction. It's only for a week or two, but that's a long time without interaction.
Is it ok if I still handle my birds while I have a cold?


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[Scott]

A really good question, and you'll get lots of answers. AFAIK human cold viruses are not transferable to avians, but that is a totally uninformed opinion. At the very least I'd wait a few days for the normal contagion period to pass, particularly when the mucous freely flows. And of course wash your hands thoroughly before handling!

The reverse is their dander won't do you any favors with a cold, but most of us dismiss those effects as we love our birds!

Feel better soon!!