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Question
I have 2 parakeets..
boy and girl
so i heard they carried a diease that was bad for humans...
it is pneumonia and humans can catch it!!
So i am wondering how i can tell if it has it or not...
Also..I got my birds 2day!!
They seem afraid of me but i do wanna tame them
can you help me.. tame thme?
Hi, Susie,
You have been misinformed. Parakeets do not carry diseases unless they are sick. It also is not pneumonia. I think you are referring to psittacosis, which is a bird disease that some birds can get that can be transmitted to humans if the germs get into your body from a sick bird's droppings, etc. If you just got your birds today and you selected healthy birds and the place you bought them from sells healthy birds, then you have nothing to worry about. However, your job is to keep them healthy.
Since you just got your birds today, you need to give them some time to settle down in their new environment. They are scared, so give them a few days, maybe a week, to get used to you and their new home. They are under stress and are frightened, so don't do anything to frighten them more.
Are these baby/young birds? If so, were they handfed? If they weren't handfed, then they may have not imprinted on humans and you will have to tame them from the start. Visit my website for more information: www.angelfire.com/falcon/birdinfo/index.html. www.birdchannel.com is also a good website.
Chrys
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Answers by Expert:
Chrys Meatyard
Expertise
I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.
Experience
Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.
Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.
Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.
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