How safe are parakeets around kids??(diseases)?

Question

I just purchased some budgies.And I am now wondering if there safe around my 4 year old and 10 month old kids.Do they carry anything harmful that can be passed to my kids?And is it safe for my son to be grabbing them??Please help...

Answer 1

They're pretty safe. Just don't let em catch the bird flu >.<

Answer 2

well, i don't believe that there are any diseases that can be pas from bird to human or vice versa.  I believe that it would be fine for them to hold the bird, its not like the bird is going to kill them by a peck every now and then lol.

Answer 3

It's important to keep the birds' cage clean to prevent bacteria from growing.  But definitely the children can learn a lot from the birds!

Answer 4

both me and my friend had parakeets a while back, and we're still okay. if your feeding them food from the store they aren't likely to contract any diseases.

Answer 5

Keep them away from the droppings. It can carry toxoplasmosis. Otherwise, they are great with kids.

Answer 6

your children will be fine. just watch that 4 year old to make sure he doesnt harm the budgies.

Answer 7

Most pet birds are completely safe. Just keep the cage clean to prevent bacteria from growing. Bird mites don't transfer to other species, TB (or any other illness) is not going to be an issue with a little house pet bird unless you buy it from some horrible place, or leave it outside where it can come in contact with other birds, and parasites. Round worms are not common in household birds, and as long as you're not playing in their droppings, and washing your hands after handling things from their cage you're fine. Any new bird should be seen by a vet and cleared for health when it's first brought home, be it a little finch or a large macaw.

I'd say it's going to be unsafe for the budgie for the 4 year old to be grabbing it. Most 4 year olds can be a little rough, and a bird that small can easily suffocate, have a heart attack or have something broken if the child is running around holding it.