Psittacosis in Lovebirds

Psittacosis is a disease of parrot family. Lovebirds are also commonly affected by this disease. Moreover this disease would spread to other human beings also, if the lovebirds with psittacosis is being stressed too much. Thats why Psittacosis is considered as one of the Significant Zoonotic Diseases of Lovebirds

Other factors that predisposes Psittacosis include poor quality of feed, overcrowding and other infections of the lovebird. If you want to prevent this disease among lovebirds, you need to follow sensible hygiene as well as proper feeding.

Regular cleaning of the cage to remove fallen feathers and droppings will help to check this disease. This disease will spread through the dust. while cleaning the lovebirds cage, it is mandatory to wear a mask and hand gloves to prevent exposure to this dreadful disease.

Symptoms

The common symptoms of Psittacosis are-

• Conjuctivitis
• Discharges from eyes and nostrils
• Diarrhea
• Weight Loss

Treatment

If you have discovered the disease in early stages, it is really possible to get rid of Psittacosis provided the lovebird should not suffer from any other underlying disease. You should quarantine the sick birds immediately. Keep in mind that only the sick birds need not to be treated, but rest of the lovebirds in the cage should be given suitable treatment.

Usually Tetracycline group of antibiotics are found to be very useful in containing this disease. Disinfect the cage using disinfectants like Glutaraldehyde, etc.

Last not to be least, do love your lovebirds, but don't kiss them to get exposed to Psittacosis.

How to clean the lovebirds cages?

Do you know birds are the third most popular pets in US next to dogs and cats? Hence it is a high time to know about cleaning lovebirds cages as a pet owner.

Cleanliness is extremly important for continuous health and well being of the caged birds. Frequent cleaning is a must without stressing the lovebirds. Regular cleaning and disinfecting the lovebirds cage is an important criterion to keep them in good health. A thorough cage cleaning and disinfection should be carried out weekly.

The lovebirds in the cages should be removed and housed in another substitute cage for some time along with new perches. The cage shoud be subjected to shower, and run very hot water over them to remove excessive soiling.

The perches and toys also being cleaned under hot running water. Scrub these acessories with non-toxic and bird-friendly cleanser. Again rinse the perches and toys in the hot water and dry it before fixing the same in the cleaned cages. Even you can dry the perches in the oven for 150-300 degrees after thoroughly rinsing them.

Glutaraldehyde can be used for disinfection purpose of the cage and floor. Weekly cleaning with hot soapy and mild disinfection may be carried out. A mild disinfectant like hypo chlorate, Lysol, QAC compounds can also be used.

If you do want to remove the stubborn spots on wooden perches or small wooden toy, you can try either sand paper to remove it or odor remover or enzyme-based stain (even you can use cat urine remover).

If you are not willing to scrub the lovebirds poop, then you can use a do-it-yourself car wash. You can use it at least once in six months. You may be amazed to see the results of this method. But you should make sure that you rinsed away all the soap away. Cleaning once in seven day keeps doctor away...