When you have a new bird being introduced into your established flock or a sick bird that you need to separate from your healthy birds, quarantining becomes an essential tool to make sure diseases are not spread between bird populations.  Below are our recommendations for how to properly quarantine your bird at home.

1. Separate living quarters - New or sick birds need to be in a separate room.  Diseases can be transmitted by respiratory droplets, aerosolized feces or urates, or infected feed flung across the room.  If a separate room is not available, then place the new cage as far away from any current birds as possible, with a sheet separating the two cages to minimize the transfer of potential contaminated material.
   
2. Time period - This depends on the condition and the recommended time periods may change.  For new arrivals, a minimum of 30 days is key to allow time for any illnesses to pop up.  Most infectious diseases have an incubation period of 1-3 weeks, and symptoms should begin before this 30 day period is done.  If you have any doubts, extend this period to 60 days.  Sick birds should be quarantined a minimum of 2 weeks following resolution of clinical signs from an infectious disease.
3. Avoid cross contamination - If possible, assign one person only to care for the sick/new bird and another to care for the healthy birds.  If this is not feasible, then care for the healthy birds before tending to the sick/new bird.  This will help avoid any infectious organisms hitching a ride on your clothing, hands, or food from your new/sick bird to your healthy birds.  Wash hands thoroughly and often and if you need to go back and handle your healthy birds change clothing.  
4. Any questions, call the vet! - That's what we're here for!  If you have any questions about quarantine procedures or want to make sure you are following proper recommendations please don't hesitate to call and ask.  Any of our doctors or technicians should be able to answer your questions to make sure your pets are safe.