can my budgie catch my cold?

**Kat22304** · 02-15-2006, 02:11 PM

i have gotten sick and i was wondering if my bird can catch it? i am trying to tame her but don't want to risk getting her sick...should i leave her alone until i am better?

**Billybirdie** · 02-15-2006, 03:01 PM

wash your hands well as usual before handling your bird and try to keep your bird away from your face but I shouldn't think you need to stay away from your bird altogether. Cold viruses are airborne and other viruses and infections are picked up through close contact without proper hygene.

**McDenny** · 02-16-2006, 01:04 AM

Usually bird sickness are human sicknesses don't transfer. But, it's probablly a good idea to keep clean and not sneeze on your bird

**Bilso** · 02-17-2006, 03:25 PM

I rubbed one of my budgies with my nose when I had a cold. Albus loves that. It didn't affect him in the least. As for my rare yellow, Ace, he's timid, so I don't know about him.

**Lovebirdfan** · 02-17-2006, 03:29 PM

The human cold virus is not zoonotic, meaning it does not transfer to animals.
You needn't worry about giving your cold to your bird. Washing your hands before holding her and keeping your nose clean is (always) a good idea.

**proud of my budgie** · 02-17-2006, 06:59 PM

Just curious, if humans can't transfer their colds to birds, how come there's the bird flu where the bird can transfer the flu to humans?

**Lovebirdfan** · 02-17-2006, 09:11 PM

The 'bird flu' has mutated into a new and unique type, Avian influenza's lethal H5N1 strain of virus that can be transferred under the proper conditions.

The cold virus is found only in the nose mucus of human/primates, and does not survive in birds, fish, etc. You may wish to view this link: http://www.commoncold.org/undrstn2.htm.