New parents often wonder if it’s safe to have pet birds around their newborn babies. Birds can carry diseases that are harmful to newborns whose immune systems are still developing. However, with proper precautions, the risk is very low. Here’s what parents need to know about having pet birds and newborns.
Can newborns get sick from pet birds?
Yes, it is possible for newborns to get sick from pet birds, but the risk is very low if proper precautions are taken. The main concerns with pet birds and newborns are:
- Psittacosis – Also known as parrot fever, this bacterial disease can cause respiratory problems. However, human cases are rare and transmission requires inhaling fecal dust from infected birds.
- Cryptococcosis – A fungal infection that can affect the lungs and central nervous system. It is primarily transmitted through bird droppings.
- Salmonella – Birds may carry salmonella bacteria in their feces, which can cause food poisoning symptoms if ingested.
- Chlamydia psittaci – This bacterial infection causes respiratory symptoms. Cases from pet birds are very rare.
The risk of a newborn getting any of these illnesses is extremely low, especially when proper handling and hygiene practices are followed. Most pet birds in the US are not infected with these diseases.
Precautions when having birds and newborns
To minimize any risk of illness, the following precautions should be taken when bringing a newborn home where pet birds are present:
- Have birds vet checked for infectious diseases. A clean bill of health lowers risk.
- Clean the cage daily wearing gloves and mask. Disinfect perches, food dishes. Remove bird droppings right away.
- Wash hands immediately after cleaning cage or handling birds.
- Keep birds caged when newborn is room. Supervise any interactions.
- Don’t allow birds in rooms where baby sleeps or plays on floor.
- Don’t snuggle baby and birds together.
- No kissing bird beaks or touching faces after handling birds.
- Keep newborn away when cleaning bird cages.
Following these precautions greatly reduces any risk of a newborn becoming ill from pet birds. The most important measure is cleaning the cage daily while wearing gloves and mask. Frequent hand washing is also key after any bird handling. Supervising all newborn-bird interactions is advised.
Which birds pose the most risk?
Psittacine birds which include parrots, cockatoos and parakeets pose the most health risk to newborns. This is because psittacosis is most commonly transmitted from infected parrots and related species. Other bird types such as canaries, doves and finches have rarely been associated with this disease.
Among psittacines, cockatiels and African grey parrots have been linked to more cases of psittacosis. Larger parrot species that are more popular pets, like Amazons and macaws, have caused fewer infections. This may be due to increased testing and veterinary care for larger, more expensive birds.
Regardless of bird type, those from reputable breeders and pet stores are less likely to carry infectious diseases than birds caught in the wild. Newly acquired birds should be quarantined and tested before introducing to a home with a newborn. Birds that seem ill should never be around newborns until examined by an avian vet.
Are bird droppings dangerous to newborns?
Yes, direct contact with bird droppings could make a newborn sick. Bird droppings may contain bacteria like salmonella and fungi that can infect a newborn’s underdeveloped immune system. Some specific risks from touching bird feces include:
- Salmonella – Causes nausea, diarrhea, fever.
- Aspergillosis – Fungal infection of lungs and sinuses.
- Histoplasmosis – Fungal lung infection from soil contaminated with droppings.
- Cryptococcosis – Fungal infection affecting lungs, brain, spinal cord.
To prevent exposure, all bird droppings should be cleaned from cages, floors and furnishings immediately. Hands must be washed after cleaning. Avoid allowing birds to roam rooms where a baby spends time. Thoroughly wash any surfaces or bedding exposed to feces. Keeping birds caged will help minimize fecal spread.
With prompt, hygienic cleaning of all bird waste, the chance of newborn illness is very negligible. Proper hand hygiene after handling birds or cleaning cages is also essential.
What about feeding birds?
It’s best for someone other than the primary caregiver to feed pet birds when a newborn is in the home. If the primary caregiver must feed birds, they should immediately wash hands before touching the baby. Wearing gloves while cleaning cages and feeding birds provides an extra barrier.
Bird food, supplements and treats should be stored sealed in containers out of baby’s reach. Bird feeding areas must be cleaned up promptly. Having a separate room just for birds that is inaccessible to baby is ideal. Remove any bird food, droppings, feathers from rooms where newborn spends time.
With basic hygiene, bird feeding does not need to pose a health risk. But it’s wise to avoid direct newborn contact with bird food and feeding areas which can harbor germs.
Is it safe to keep birds in a nursery?
It is not recommended to keep pet birds in a newborn’s nursery or any shared sleeping quarters. While very low risk when following precautions, having birds caged in a baby’s room provides unnecessary exposure on a daily basis.
Potential concerns with nursery birds include:
- Noisy bird calls and vocalizations may disturb sleeping baby.
- Increased germ exposure from being near bird cage, droppings.
- Chance baby grabs at cage, sticks fingers inside where germs linger.
- Possible bird escape while caretaker is busy tending to baby.
- Baby breathing airborne germs if bird is ill.
A better approach is keeping pet birds in their own room distant from nursery or common areas of the home. This reduces health risks while allowing new parents and baby safe, supervised interaction with birds elsewhere when desired.
Are bird bites dangerous to newborns?
Yes, bites from pet birds can be very dangerous and even life-threatening to newborns. Birds have strong, sharp beaks that can lead to puncture wounds and soft tissue/muscle damage. Some other risks of bird bites to babies include:
- Bacterial infections – Pasteurella, staphylococcus, streptococcus.
- Nerve damage – From deep puncture wounds.
- Bone fractures – Beak can fracture baby’s fragile bones.
- Blood loss – Severe lacerations may cause dangerous blood loss.
- Scarring – Lacerations can leave permanent scars if stitches needed.
Preventing any bite opportunity is crucial. Well-socialized, hand-raised birds that are used to children pose less risk. But interactions should always be supervised. Aggressive, territorial birds are most hazardous. Newborns should never be left unattended with loose birds. Any bite warrants immediate medical care given the high infection risk.
How to introduce birds safely
When bringing home a newborn to a home with pet birds, introduction should be gradual and cautious. Some tips include:
- Keep birds confined in their cage initially. No loose interaction.
- Hold baby at a distance so birds adjust to new presence.
- Supervise all interactions, never leave baby alone near birds.
- Read bird’s body language for signs of agitation like feather flaring.
- Remove birds if they act aggressively, territorial or agitated.
- Target train birds using positive reinforcement to discourage nipping.
- Only allow gentle birds to interact with baby’s hands, feet.
- Never encourage play with faces, eyes which could lead to bites.
- Keep newborns away as birds become hormonal during breeding seasons.
With time, cautious exposure can allow birds and babies to coexist safely. But direct interaction should wait until the child is older. A young infant lacks cognition to read bird behaviors that may precede a bite. Gradual introductions with birds confined builds trust on both sides.
When can babies safely interact with birds?
Direct interaction between babies and pet birds is generally not recommended until the child is at least 2-3 years old. At this age, children have greater cognitive ability to learn appropriate behavior around birds. Specific signs a child may be ready include:
- Able to follow basic safety rules like no grabbing at birds.
- Can comprehend warnings to be gentle and quiet around birds.
- Has motor skills to avoid making sudden movements that may startle birds.
- Can recognize bird body language signaling anxiety, territorial behavior.
- Is learning to be gentle with family pets like dogs, cats.
Younger babies may be able to look at birds in their cage, under close parental supervision. But direct physical interaction should wait until the child has self-control and can follow directions. Even with older children, an adult should always monitor interactions in case of biting or aggressive bird behavior.
Conclusion
Having pet birds when bringing a newborn home requires caution and common sense to avoid disease risks or injury. While illness transmission is very unlikely with basic hygiene and veterinary care, deadly bites are possible. Newborns under age 2-3 should never be left alone interacting with birds. With supervision, cleaning protocols and other precautions, families can safely enjoy both new babies and pet birds in the same household. Gradual introductions are key for best success.
