Diseases and bacteria worry

[sunnybirds2]

I have two sun conures that are both four years old and I love them to death. I bought them from a breeder and raised them since before they were even weaned. Within the four years I've had them they have never been ill and have always been little trouble makers! Now here's the thing, I have never taken them to a vet to see if they are really healthy. I do know that birds can carry diseases and bacteria that can be harmful to humans especially those with respiratory problems. Two people in my house have serious respiratory problems LONG before I ever got the birds. Are there any diseases and bacteria I should really be concerned about even though no ones ever been ill from them? The birds have always been healthy and I'm always with them and nothing has ever happened to me or my family members. I guess after four years of other family members telling me birds are dirty and disease filled creatures I've finally become paranoid.
I haven't taken them to an avian vet because they are a rip where I live and I don't want to take them unless it is absolutely necessary. I know I'm probably not the best owner for not taking them anyways but I really do love them and want to learn as much as possible about what I should look out for and the proper safety precautions I should take to reduce the chance of contracting infections. Anyone with tips on the BEST way to disinfect their cage and toys please let me know! If it's not already obvious I had no prior experience with birds before I got my conures and I do not regret it.

 

[riddick07]

I do recommend taking the birds to an avian vet every year or every other at least. Birds don't display their illness for all to see nor can you tell just by looking at them if organs like the liver are starting to fail. Blood panel can tell you what they aren't getting enough of in their diet.

Anyway, avianbiotech.com for disease testing. F10SC for disinfecting the enclosures. F10SCXD is a cleanser version. Toys and perches I run through the dishwasher.

 

[sunnybirds2]

Thank you riddick07! I will most definitely get them tested plus I'm dying to know their sex! I went on avian biotech.com and saw that there are a slew of different viruses and bacteria to check for. What would you recommend that I test my sun conures for?

 

[Flboy]

FYI, your babies are Not dirty and disease filled creatures! Your sunnies probably take baths more often than many folks. Except for your coming and going, they live in a closed loop.

What part of Florida is home?

 

[sunnybirds2]

I know they aren't dirty it's just other family members think they are like wild pigeons for some reason... They are much cleaner than my dogs for sure:09: I live in Miami btw

 

[riddick07]

I would definitely do chlamdyia and PBFD for the testing. I used them to DNA my one conure was not what I was expecting to be the result! If family members have respiratory problems then a air purifier would probably help some. I have an Austin air and it definitely helps but of course I have quite a few more birds then you

 

[sunnybirds2]

What does the testing that vets usually do on birds include? I called the only avian vet near by and they charge $75 for visit and starting at $250 for testing per bird :/