How to Care for Your Pet Bird During the Flu Season

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By Ana Jackson
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How Care for Your Pet Birds During the Flu Season

People normally take measures to protect themselves and their children from getting the flu during the flu season. Such measures include frequent hand washing and staying away from sick individuals. Unfortunately, pet owners often forget that pets, particularly birds, can also catch the flu. Birds that have a weak immune system can easily develop respiratory infections. If you have a pet bird, here are some tips to help you care for your pet bird during the flu season.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Care for your pet bird by washing your hands before handling him. Even if you’re not sick but go out shopping during the flu season, you can pick up germs. If you handle your bird without washing your hands, you could transfer germs to the birds' feathers. Since birds preen their feathers regularly, any germs on their feathers will end up in their mouth and make them ill.
Step 2

Stay away from your pet bird if you have a cough. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the water and food dish. Stay away from your pet bird as much as possible to minimize the risk.
Step 3

Seek veterinary help as soon as you notice any signs of illness in your pet bird. Some signs of illness in a bird are sitting at the bottom of the cage, puffiness or being unusually quiet. Other signs could be coughing or nostril discharge. Each pet owner knows his pet’s personality. Out of character behavior normally signifies illness in a bird.

Tips & Warnings

Pay particular attention if you have a lutino pet bird, as hiss immune system is weaker and requires special care.
Remember that birds have a fast metabolism. If they catch a cold, they could quickly develop complications. Additionally, a pet bird with a history of chemical exposure are at higher risk of developing respiratory complications.

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