When I wrote my most recent post giving advice about working from home with budgies for coworkers I had no idea that I would end up in a mandatory work from home situation! But, here we are, due to attempts to slow the spread of COVID-19 I’m working from home for the foreseeable future.
In the mix with all of our other coronavirus-related concerns, it is certainly scary to think that either we could give our pet parakeets COVID-19, or that they could transmit it to us.
Good news, per the CDC there is no evidence that COVID-19 will transmit to any pets or other animals, or that pets could transmit it to people.
But, here are some coronavirus related considerations:
- Although your pets cannot contract and transmit this coronavirus, they could carry the disease on their bodies. Say, for instance, someone with COVID-19 coughs on a budgie (which, let’s not in the first place) – the virus could live for several hours on the budgie’s body and be transmitted to someone else who handled him. So, we should all take care not to cough or sneeze directly on our pets. I think that’s generally good advice, even without a pandemic!
- It is never a bad idea to wash your hands before handling your parakeets, but be wary of hand sanitizer. Sanitizers
that are alcohol-based could be toxic to your birds. Plain old soap and water are perfectly good for getting rid of the virus on your hands and body. It might be tempting to hose your home down with disinfecting sprays but these are also known to be deadly.
- Supply chain issues could become a concern. We all know that toilet paper
is virtually impossible to get at the moment. I don’t advise panicking and buying up a pet store, but there is not any harm in buying enough of whatever you feed
your birds to get you through two to four weeks of quarantine.
- Now’s a good time to make sure you’ve got a first aid kit for your budgies in case of emergencies. I imagine that veterinary clinics will stay open to some extent as a necessity. It’s safe to assume that hours may be limited, and already difficult to find avian vets even harder to see.
that are alcohol-based could be toxic to your birds. 
is virtually impossible to get at the moment. I don’t advise panicking and buying up a pet store, but there is not any harm in buying enough of 
your birds to get you through two to four weeks of quarantine.As we settle in to practicing social distancing and get used to being homebodies parakeets are a source of stress relief and humor. I’m trying to keep mine out of my work day but I appreciate, more than ever, their company.
Stay safe and healthy out there, readers, and know that this trying time will pass. Try not to worry too much about your pet parakeets and COVID-19. Also, it might be the perfect time to quarantine a new feathered friend, if you’re stuck home anyway!
