What can I do about quarantine?

[Dinosrawr]

In the next few months I am planning on bringing home an Indian Ringneck from a breeder in Ontario (littlemiraclesaviary.tripod.com - feel free to check it out!). From what I have gathered, she's very reputable and I'm confident in making a purchase from her.

However... I've done a lot of research on this, and I know that it is physically impossible for me to accomplish a proper quarantine simply because of where I live. It's not possible for me to create an air-secure space where there will be no airflow between the separate cages, and it's very frustrating. My living space is one floor, one bedroom and open concept. Avery's cage is in my bedroom because I don't want her cage near the kitchen, and I definitely don't want a young baby near the kitchen either. The only other space I have is my walk-in-closet... but it's dark, only separates the birds by a door, and pretty much defeats the purpose of being able to change clothes to prevent contamination. My only other option is to place the other cage far across the room in my bedroom. Once again, not safe. I will be doing a vet check immediately after bringing my new fid home (so long as it's not too stressed). I'm also having Avery tested too, just to be double careful... even though I know she has a clean bill of health.

So, I'm just wondering... after having the bird tested, and if I keep them on opposite ends of the room, have a quick shower in between handling, change of clothes, and keep my hair up (it's very long), will that be okay? I mean, ultimately air space is one of the biggest issues. But none of her birds have ever been infected and she NEVER allows people into the breeding room. People have to go through pretty intense sanitary precautions before and after handling her babies, so I'm thinking it should be okay... but I'd like some opinions, or personal experience with this.

Thanks guys. Sorry for my ridiculously long posts!

 

[Kiwibird]

If this is a baby bird, who's from a reputable breeder AND passes a veterinary examination, I really wouldn't be too concerned. I would just keep her as far away as possible from the other bird for a few weeks, but you should be fine.

Quarantine is (IMO) important in situations where you have either an older bird from an unknown background/medical history or a baby bought from a petstore where it could've been exposed to any number of terrible things, but not so much in the type of scenario you speak of.

 

[Terry57]

I agree with Kiwibird, I think it will be fine under the circumstances she mentioned

 

[Dinosrawr]

That's a relief! Thanks a lot

 

[Terry57]

So when does you new baby get to come home? Are you getting one from a future clutch?

 

[Dinosrawr]

I'm not 100% sure. Her first clutch just hatched (Amy & Spike's clutch), and they won't be ready until the end of May. I'm buying a blue, and because we don't know what the colours are of her current clutch, I could either be able to bring a baby home then or wait longer for the next clutches. it's up in the air until the actual colours come through unfortunately. I would love to take any other colours home, but they're just too expensive for me to justify at the moment when I consider the cage I've purchased ($450), decorating the cage ($150+), blood testing, and emergency money for both my birds required in case anything happens... birds are so expensive but I swear, I'd spend $200 on them in a second rather than go shopping for new clothes for myself