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A question for parrot owners...

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  • 08-01-2012 1:39am
    #1
    bobbysands81
    Registered Users Posts: 7,198 ✭✭✭


    Hi all,

    Just wondering are there any dangers in having a new born child around an African Grey? Now I don't mean biting etc... I'm more talking about whether there'd be increased risk of disease or infections for the baby?

    Any advice who'd be appreciated.

    My gut feeling is (no matter advice i get) to get someone to mind my CAG for a couple of months but I was just wondering did anyone else have such a dilemma recently and what you did?

    Thanks all.


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    #2
    doctor evil
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,114 ✭✭✭doctor evil


    Theres the dust that they 'shed' as new feathers come in, I know this is not good for those with asthma.

    I would be more concerned that the parrot could get jealous.


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    #3
    bobbysands81
    Registered Users Posts: 7,198 ✭✭✭bobbysands81


    doctor evil wrote: »
    Theres the dust that they 'shed' as new feathers come in, I know this is not good for those with asthma.

    I would be more concerned that the parrot could get jealous.

    Chuckie is over 6 years old and has never shown any signs of jealousy, she is very socialable, doesn't bite and will fly to anyone that comes into the room.


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    #4
    mattjack
    Registered Users Posts: 5,389 ✭✭✭mattjack


    bobbysands81 wrote: »
    Chuckie is over 6 years old and has never shown any signs of jealousy, she is very socialable, doesn't bite and will fly to anyone that comes into the room.

    Hi Bobby..could I ask ya a quick question..? I,m thinking bout getting getting an African Grey..I kept birds for years ...finchs,canaries,budgies and 'tiels..are they easy to train , do they need much care etc...really just looking for a bit of info. on them..where did you get her etc was she hand reared ....


    Thanks MJ


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    #5
    Sigma Force
    Registered Users Posts: 5,132 ✭✭✭Sigma Force


    MJ African Greys need a lot of attention it's like having a toddler in the house, they need as much..sometimes more..attention than your avereage dog and they live a long time so something that needs to be really carefully considered before getting one and be careful of dodgy breeders out there as well.

    There are certain things that can be passed from parrot to human but afaik through the poop rather than the dander, the dander can be easier controlled by regular hoovering and regular showers for the bird and a good diet.

    You could have an avian vet run a few tests to check the bird poop to make sure it doesn't contain anything just to put your mind at rest. But in general I wouldn't be too concerned keeping any room with birds well ventilated and clean is important anyway so as long as you have a cleaning regime going it should be fine. As said just keep an eye out for jealousy issues that would be more of a concern she might be ok now but they're so clever she will know pretty soon if she's not getting the same attention as before.


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    #6
    Interceptor
    Registered Users Posts: 3,180 ✭✭✭Interceptor


    If the bird is free to move around the house I'd recommend limiting that to keep it away from the baby - confine him to one or two rooms. Particularly if he is flying and could land on or near the baby and do accidental harm - just for the first year.

    We had an AG when I was growing up but she was never socialised and bit every member of my family except my mother - I have met and handled tame AG's but I still would be slow to trust one near a baby.

    The possibility of cross-contamination from poop is also an issue and while you may be worming and giving tonic, there are likely to be bugs there that your baby won't be equipped to deal with.

    'cptr


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