Pregnant and I own a bird????????

[Fanni]

Hello Ladies,
I am 28 weeks pregnant and just purchased a lovebird. I was wondering, does anyone know if handling birds while pregnant is okay or has anyone ever owned and handled a bird while pregnant?
Thank you ladies!!!!!

[ChannyStar]

I sure hope it's OK! lol. I've had a parakeet throughout my entire pregnancy, and he is very demanding. I hold him all the time and it seems to be fine!

[Sunshine912]

I am pregnant and have 3 parrots that I play with constantly. Don't worry. The only thing that it may have is pinworms which are tiny white worms that are in some birds feces and can be transferred from animals to humans. Keep an eye on the birds feces and if you are really concerned, take the bird to a vet and have the bird checked out for the worms. They almost look like maggots. I know all this because I once had cocateils (I know I did not spell that right) and my daughter played with them constantly and managed to get pinworms. My whole family and the birds had to be treated. They are very contagious. The eggs you can't see and if someone in the family has it and they sit on the toilet, the eggs can remain on the toilet or in bed, and the transfer happens.

[lilfiery]

I have 3 birds. Zoonotic (transmissable to humans) diseases are a possibility with all animals-including cats and dogs.  Some zoonotic diseases to worry about are Psittacosis (Chlamydophila psittaci), Tuberculosis, etc.

note: Pinworms are NOT zoonotic.  Ie. You can't get pinworms from your pets. Please refer to the American Veterinary Medical Associations website:
http://www.avma.ab.ca/animal_health/comphealth5.htm

That has some good info for you

Basically, be aware of the above diseases, but don't panic.  I test all my birds for Psittacosis as I have seen this in some pet birds.  This is a blood and swab test done on your bird.  I am pregnant and have 3 cats, 2 dogs, a rabbit and 3 birds.  I don't worry and enjoy the love  they give me every day (they
help to lower my stress level also!)

[lilfiery]

ps. didn't mean to be rude about your case, but i'm sure your daughters picked up the pinworms from another human.  Pinworms are species specific.  THis is a common problem we see with human doctors blaming pinworms on pets.

[lilfiery]

woops sorry meant Alberta Veterinary Medical Association!

[AnnieBrooke]

Test for anything testable, and treat for worms if necessary just for your pet's health's sake, then don't stress.  I just got a deep puncture type scratch from my cat, and so I went to get tested for toxoplasmosis just to be sure.  But I wouldn't give up having my purring buddy sitting on my preggers tummy for a million bucks. :)

[mandymoo1983]

i heard totally different to stay away from birds while pregnant due to the air born mites they have under there feathers they can be harmful to your babies health.

[lilfiery]

i'm a vet, and do lots of birds. I have never seen mites in their feathers.

That is likely an old wives tale.

[Sunshine912]

I beg to differ with you. My Daughter did catch it from the birds. It had the birds tested and saw them in the birds feces as well as in my daughters. I know from experience. You don't.
You can catch them.

[lilfiery]

There are no pinworms in cockatiels (I have done tons of birds fecals over the last 5 years--never seen them). Human pinworms are strictly human pinworms and are spread from human to human - usually young children.

Also, this reference:  "Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, Abram S. Benenson, Ed 1995, it states that the reservoir for pinworms, Enterobius vermicularis is humans and "Pinworms of horses or other animals are not transmissible to people."

Was it a vet who checked your birds stools? As a vet, we used to hear about human doctors blaming pinworms on pets...its just wrong information. There is tons of literature to state otherwise.

[Jade09]

Is it ok to have a rabbit and dog while your pregnant? Does it cause any harm to my unborn baby and myself? Is their any diseases that i need to be aware of?

[boosty]

youre fine

[KellyTexas]

I have 3 dogs, 2 cats and an african grey.  If your animals are all healthy, there should be no problems.  I wouldn't trade my critters for the world either!!  Kids need critters in their lives.  At least I think so.

[nadysgirl]

I own a cockatile and  hold her and pet her. I"ve had her prior to getting pregnant. I am now 27 weeks pregnant and still worry that it may be bad for my unborn child. The doctor had told me not to kiss her due to the bird having diseases. I am still worried something might happen and what the consequences are.

[noreenc777]

i am a very light smoker. i only smoke 5~7 a day. i was told not to give up while prenant as it will cause me and baby to much stess

[Kim1989]

different than owning a bird but....

to me (a non smoker) 5-7 a day is not light. i think smoking will cause your baby stress. most women try and really cut back if not down. i think it depends on how far along you are as well. did your doctor tell you this?