Vera Appleyard Lovebird Handbook

[Susan27]

I ended up buying this book yesterday when I picked up my birdie carriers. I probably could have found if less expensive somewhere else...but oh well. I stayed up until 4am and read the entire thing.
Most of what was said is EXACTLY the information I have received from posters and the resource library.
I knew this was the most recommended book on lovies.
I have one question though. In the book it mentions how cat saliva is poisonous to lovebirds, but is doesn't say anything about dog or human saliva. I thought these were bad as well for lovebirds?

[Z28Taxman]

I have one question though. In the book it mentions how cat saliva is poisonous to lovebirds, but is doesn't say anything about dog or human saliva. I thought these were bad as well for lovebirds?

They are. the saliva from just about any mammal can contain pasturella and other nasties that can be very harmful/fatal to birds.

[Janie]

Susan, my understanding is that human and dog saliva can be dangerous for a lovebird but that cat saliva can definitely kill them.

That is a great book, isn't it? I've read my copy several times. What I've learned here is even more informative and valuable but that book was a great way to start learning. I read it out loud sitting next to Oliver's cage when I first got him. I figured that I could learn about lovies and he could get used to the sound of my voice! :D

[Susan27]

I liked it very much. I love pictures and this one is FULL of pics. It is easier for me to learn the genetics with a book. I think I completely understand why Little Chicken, my creamino is a girl...I was trying to find the loophole for her to be a boy...but I couldn't:whistle:

[Z28Taxman]

Personally I think that if a lovie is close enough to a cat's or dog's mouth to be exposed to the saliva he's got biggier things to worry about, like those sharp teeth! :eek: I wouldn't let Ditto near them.

[Christine9]

Personally I think that if a lovie is close enough to a cat's or dog's mouth to be exposed to the saliva he's got biggier things to worry about, like those sharp teeth! :eek: I wouldn't let Ditto near them.

I have to agree with this. I see pics of birds with dogs (and sometimes cats) all the time, and it always scares me.

[BarbieH]

Not all cats and dogs carry pasteurella. They will if they have ever encountered any rodent that has pastuerella, or even any other cat or dog that has carried it. If your dog has ever dined out of the cat's litterbox, for example, the dog could get pastuerella.

All rodents, including hamsters and rabbits, should be expected to have pastuerella. Cats and dogs are carriers. They do not develop symptoms, but they can transmit it to another animal.

I don't believe humans normally carry pastuerella, except for pregnant women; they are even advised not to clean their cat's litterbox while they are expecting because the bacteria could be harmful to the developing child.

Human saliva has other cooties that makes it dangerous to our birds.

[Z28Taxman]

Not all cats and dogs carry pasteurella. They will if they have ever encountered any rodent that has pastuerella, or even any other cat or dog that has carried it. If your dog has ever dined out of the cat's litterbox, for example, the dog could get pastuerella.

All rodents, including hamsters and rabbits, should be expected to have pastuerella. Cats and dogs are carriers. They do not develop symptoms, but they can transmit it to another animal.

I don't believe humans normally carry pastuerella, except for pregnant women; they are even advised not to clean their cat's litterbox while they are expecting because the bacteria could be harmful to the developing child.

Human saliva has other cooties that makes it dangerous to our birds.

I should have said CAN contain pasteurella. I stand corrected and fixed my post. ;) Pasteurella is apparently quite common in rabbits. But there are some really nasty critters living in human mouths too. :x

[BarbieH]

Dave, I think all cats and dogs should be assumed to carry pastuerella. :)

[Z28Taxman]

Dave, I think all cats and dogs should be assumed to carry pastuerella. :)

And [Monty Python] big pointy teeth. [/Monty Python] :rofl:

[BarbieH]

Oh great. :lol Now I have to watch "Holy Grail" tonight. :lol

[Z28Taxman]

He's got a mean streak a mile wide!!!!:evil:

[BarbieH]

And he can jump (holds arms about two feet apart) ... look at the BONES!

[Susan27]

Human saliva has other cooties that makes it dangerous to our birds.

Not that this if funny...ok...it made me laugh.

I have never seen Monty Python movies, so all references are completely lost on me.

I let my dogs near my birds, but I don't trust them. I have taken a few pics with my dogs resting their head on the couch while looking at Kiko...but in retrospect, it would have taken a second for things to go ALL WRONG. I have trained my dogs to leave the birdies alone...but that doesn't mean ANYTHING if they get something in their minds. I supervise and have now moved the new birdie playgym on a high shelf...one day all the lovies will be able to play on it...right now they have to be happy singing LOUDLY to each other.:x