newborns and pet birds...is it dangerous

[Baileys_mum]

Hi,
Im expecting my first baby at the end of September. As this is all new to me I need some advice. Im moving in with my sis and she has 2 ****atiels (parrots) in a large cage and Ive noticed having owned one of these birds myself, that they malt alot of small feathers slightly bigger than dust particles that float around. Could this be dangerours for a newborn baby. I don't mean to be neurotic but I don't want to take any chances

[aussienic]

I'm not sure to be honest. I had 2 ****atiels when we had DS1 and they were inside birds.. Nothing ever happened. they unfortunatly died when he was 5 months old..

I guess you could google or ring your local vet and ask

[Ozziehoffy]

I have 2 ****atiels and they're inside. I know the feathers you mean and they're a pain to be honest...lol. I haven't noticed any probs with Oskar. I do vacuum pretty much every day (sometimes every second) though. I've got a cat as well so I try to keep the hair and feathers to a minimum. Not sure what's going to happen when he's crawling though!!!

[Evie76]

I have the messiest budgie in the world and DS is not affected at all. I have heard it said that children growing up with animals are less likely to have asthma. Apparently the kids build an immunity to any of the dust mites etc found in the garbage flying around from the animals. Dunno about the truth in it, but I can see the reasoning behind it.

I think the only thing is when DS starts crawling he'll be heading for the feathers and seed on the floor to see what they taste like. So, I'll have to keep on top of that - not that I don't now, it's just I'll have to be extra clean........

Babies and animals are a perfect combination. My little five month old and the cat are inseparable - and she's an old cat too.......... always been the queen of the house and she lets Daniel pull her fur and her ears. If I tried the stuff he gets away with I reckon I'd look like I'd been through a mincer. But no, she just sits there and purrs while he commits hari kari with his merciless little hands.

[Visitor7]

I have heard it said that children growing up with animals are less likely to have asthma. Apparently the kids build an immunity to any of the dust mites etc found in the garbage flying around from the animals. Dunno about the truth in it, but I can see the reasoning behind it.

I've too have heard and believe this. We have 2 outside dogs which Nina absolutely adores, and we're getting 2 budgies which will be inside. I'm not at all worried about this. I know I'll have to keep the area tidy.

[Ozziehoffy]

I've heard the same said about animals as well.

Lestypuss, I know what you mean about the seed!! If I don't vacuum under the cage every day it looks like it hasn't been done in a month!! They're lucky I don't make them do it!!...lol.

[krysalyss]

You should make sure the birds are healthy as there are diseases that are airborne such as chlamydia that would really affect the baby (and adults as well). It is unlikely but still a possibilty. HTH. BTW I have a dog and also think pets are good for kids but like everything there are benefits and risks.

[mazzie]

I wouldn't worry about it! Plenty of bubs grow up with animals and are fine. If you haven't heard of any risks-then they're probably aren't any.