Conference 7.286::pet_birds

440.0. "WARNING! Rodents/Rabbits health risk to birds!" by MEIS::TILLSON (Sugar Magnolia) Tue Oct 23 1990 12:51

        
    I know that many animal lovers here have both birds and other small
    animals - hamsters, rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, etc.  I'd like to
    tell you about something that happened recently that had potential for
    real tragedy.
    
    My beloved pet Grey Cheek (Brotageris) Parakeet fell ill, with serious
    diarrhea and other problems.  When I took little Chico's fecal sample
    to the vet, I learned that he was infected with gram-negative bacteria
    and yeast.  Fortunately, we caught the problem in time, and are
    medicating Chico, and he is responding very well.  He should pull
    through just fine.
    
    I was very disturbed, however.  I following exacting quarantine
    procedures with all new birds and other animals.  I strive to give my
    birds (45 of them at last count!) and other animals the best of care
    and the healthiest of environments.  I was puzzled and worried about
    how my little bird could have contracted these health problems.
    
    When talking on the phome to one of the owners of Highland Aviaries
    today (people whose knowledge I have much respect for) I got an Aha!
    The fellow asked me if I kept rodents - hamsters, gerbils, mice, etc.,
    or rabbits.  It appears that rodents and rabbits naturally harbor gram
    negative bacteria, harmless to them, but deadly to birds.  My bunny
    housing was in the same room as some of my pet birds.  Chico, in
    particular, liked to wander around on the floor, poking at things with
    his little beak, and would occasionally scrabble around in back of the
    rabbit hutch.  I was risking the little bird's life without even
    knowing it.
    
    Please learn from my mistake, and protect your birds' health.  Keep all
    rodents and rabbits in a separate room from your birds, and wash
    thoroughly with hot soapy water after handling your furry pets and
    before handling your birds.  NEVER let your birds play around your
    rodent or rabbit cages, or anywhere there might be rodent/rabbit
    droppings.  If you have any doubts about whether there might already be
    a problem, have your vet take a fecal sample from your birds.  Don't
    rely on your birds' appearance as an indicator of infection - they can
    be ill for a long time before showing symptoms.  Once a bird shows
    symptoms, it is alread *VERY* ill.
    
    						/Rita
    
    PS:  This is being cross-posted in WORDS::SMALL_ANIMALS.