Fids and kids

[Birkah]

I've tried looking online, but am finding mixed opinions on an issue! We just found out that we are expecting another little family addition in September :blush:, and I've had several people (who know we have Cipher) tell me that there are health concerns for pregnant women who handle birdie bedding, and that I shouldn't clean his cage. Any validity to this? :confused:

[linda040899]

Congratulations and best wishes for a healthy baby!

I've heard that expectant women need to be careful around cats but nothing about birds. I, personally, change out the paper in most of my cages on a daily basis, mostly so I can see clues to any potential health changes that might be happening with any of my birds. That cuts down on the amount of stuff that's just hanging around under the grating that could turn nasty if left too long. I know we've had several of our members have babies and their birds were never mentioned as an issue.

Let's see what kind of feedback others have to offer.

[Pips mom]

I've had several people (who know we have Cipher) tell me that there are health concerns for pregnant women who handle birdie bedding, and that I shouldn't clean his cage.

I have never heard of such a thing! I too, have heard about the litter box with cats, but even with them, as long as you take precautions and don't touch the cat litter or wash hands well afterwards, I can't see a reason to let these things concern you. I know I wouldn't be. I would just ask my doctor.....what's the best way to handle this? but birds? nope, never heard of cleaning their cages being any threat at all. Even if it was.....you could use a spray bottle of water to spray a light mist on it first to prevent everything from flying around into the air when you change the papers, then either use gloves or wash your hands good! but I really don't think bird poop is a threat the same way cat poop is!

[Birkah]

Thanks, guys :) My only worry was that I don't have an appointment for several weeks, so I thought I would ask others who have been through fids and babies. I was tested for toxoplasmosis when I was preggers with our first, and I know I'm already immune, so no problems changing cat litter.

Nate changes his papers and washes his dishes and tray every day, perches as needed, and we do a full breakdown and scrub once a week. Just to err on the safe side, I'll guess I could put on my handy-dandy dust mask while I take the papers to the recycle bin, and be sure to wash up really well afterward.

[HaleBoppPeachyluv]

I'm about 6 months along (April due date) & I never heard about birdies being a potential hazard... I never even thought to ask! lol I knew about cats, but i'm allergic, so i never had any.

I've been changing Sunny's food/water/papers bare-handed & bare-faced pretty much daily since I found out I was expecting. I've been feather snorgling & pooped on daily, too. I've had no problems with my pregnancy out of the ordinary. Yucky all day morning sickness in weeks 6-16, but if anything, healthwise, i did much better this year than i normally do, even my normal hay-fever allergies improved.

Congrats to you!

[NickyBeth]

I made it through two pregnancies fine with birds and dogs. Whoever told you that must be nuts!! Although, if you want to get out of cleaning cages for the next 9 months...blame it on the bird!! ;)

[Enko_chan]

No, it is cat feces that can be a danger because of toxoplasmosis.

Birds do not carry this.

Congrats!

[Eliza]

Congratulations!

I sometimes feel that people who don't care for animals feel that having critters (parrots or otherwise) in the home can be harmful to human infants (exception being the very real risk of toxoplasmosis). If your animals are in good health AND you're in good health, I really wouldn't worry.

Excerise normal precautions and good husbandry: clean the cage on a regular basis, wash your hands after handling your lovie (and his cage, toys, dishes) and enjoy your pregnancy!

[thebubbleking]

I havent heard anything about it being detrimental... alls i can say is wasnt me i dont jump fences! (a local referance :) )

[Birkah]

:rotfl LOL!! I am just writing it off as another one of those annoying "old wives tales". Just thought I'd check with you all, since my OB won't see me for three more weeks. Although.... I could tell my hubby that you all were undecided to get out of cage cleaning duties for the next three weeks :whistle: