Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well, I have gotten some great news. I am pregnant. I am very elated. However, pregnant women are not supposed to be around birds. I am going to check this information and find out if this is 100% correct with the doctor. If so, does anyone live near Maryland that may like to have cockatiels. I want to make sure they have a good loving commited home. The last thing I ever wanted was to have to place them with new homes. I have cried and hope the doctor will say its no problem. But please let me know. Thank you.

~Nymph~

Are you absolutely certain this information is correct? Why shouldn`t pregnant woman be near birds? I know of plenty of bird owners that`ve kept their birds through their pregnancies, with no harm to themselves or their children. I would try talking to a few other doctors, and female bird-owners with babies/young children.

Also: Congrats! How exciting!

congratulations nymph!

I shouldn't think you need to get rid of your cockatiels. Pregnant women are advised not to buy a new parrot or work with parrots, because they may be carrying diseases. Especially psittacosis and chlamydia can be harmful to an unborn baby.

However you've had your pet birds for a while and presumably know about the state of their health. as long as they're not in contact with other, 'stranger' birds, you'll be fine. Make sure you clean youtr hands after handling them and don't let them near food you're going to eat yourself, and clean their cage more often. These should be sufficient hygienic measures!

Congratulations!!! That's great news! I agree with the previous poster BUT I would think, as an extra precaution, you should have your hubby or someone else do the cleaning of the cage (although I know you'll really, really miss doing it!) By the way, you never emailed me to talk about chickens!!