Birds Kept as Pets

Information about baby chicks kept as pets can be found on the backyard poultry page.

Boy admiring an African parrot

Boy admiring an African parrot.

Credit: CDC thanks Chrislyn Wood DVM, a poultry specialist at USDA for her careful review of these pages.

Feathered pets can be brightly colored and fascinating additions to the family. Estimates say that over 5 million households in the United States have pet birds. Bird owners should be aware that although their pets might be highly intelligent and clean companions, they can carry germs that make people sick.

Germs from birds can cause a variety of illnesses in people, ranging from minor skin infections to serious illnesses. These illnesses are rare in the United States, but it's better to be safe and take steps to keep yourself and your birds healthy.

One of the best ways you can protect yourself from getting sick is to thoroughly wash your hands with running water and soap after you touch birds or their droppings. With routine veterinary care and some simple health tips, you are less likely to get sick from touching, petting, or owning birds.

Click the tabs above for more information about choosing birds, a list of diseases people can get from birds, and information on how to keep yourself and your birds healthy.

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