How to quarantine correctly?

[Valo's Moirana]

Since we might be getting a second baby soon, I was wondering if you guys could give detailed instructions about proper quarantine routines? In specific:
*) how long do the birds have to be seperated?
*) how far from each other? (w/ closed doors)
*) in addition to handling the new bird last, not mixing up food bowls etc, changing cloths between handling - what else do we have to consider?

Also, since I'm already at the topic, I thought I'd ask another question I've had for a while: what about quarantines between countries? I'm European, and I'm planning on going back there for a while, and there is NO way that I'd leave my baby here. Any advice? I'm aware of the fact that quarantine is a nightmare for diseases, so I was planning on checking out the quarantine stations on prior trips and going into a small airport (if possible) but I haven't really checked on the routines yet. I was just wondering if somebody had experience with that.

[Mike B]

On the traveling part. Do you have the paperwork to do this? How long do you plan on being gone? The reason I ask. It might be awful tough getting the bird back in the US.

Mike

[Valo's Moirana]

Originally Posted by Mike B

On the traveling part. Do you have the paperwork to do this? How long do you plan on being gone? The reason I ask. It might be awful tough getting the bird back in the US.

Mike

he/they would eventually have to come back, since we're planning on coming back to the states after 3-5yrs in europe.

[kateBird]

actually, depending where in europe, you might have a problem bring the bird IN europe. they have become extremely strict in bringing in birds from outside countries. my husband's family is in germany (he is german and i've lived there for 4 years). if you get any extra information about travelling with a bird into and out of europe, please let me know.

quarantine should last at least for 60 days. the quarantine bird should be in a separate room from other birds, divided by a door.

the thing is, diseases usually spread by a bird's dander or dried fecal matter that is kicked up into the air and inhaled by other birds. being in two different rooms keeps the transfer of diseases in this manner to a minimum.

what i do is i change clothes when i go into and out of the quarantine area. seeds stick to my clothes, therefore i can only imagine that dried fecal matter could have also stuck to my clothes. i also try to wear slippers in the quarantine area, and leave them in that room when i exit.

i have a half bath (toilet and sink) in my quarantine area so i do all cleaning in there.

also keep some antibacterial gel handy in both quarantine and non quarantine areas. i use this always - whether i touch the quarantined birds or not.

[The Outlaw]

Its very unlikely you will be allowed to take your birds with you. In fact, I'd say near impossible. Between the Europeans being terrified of possible bird flu and the long quarantine (I believe its 90 days in a government facility), your bird will actually be exposed to every conceivable disease. After all, you bird will be with OTHER quarantined birds. And, I think all of your birds must be banded.

[kateBird]

side note: its 6 months quarantine for all animals when travelling to hawaii.

[Tiki]

I wouldn't even think of taking a bird across international boundaries. Even if it's legal now with quarantine, the law could change very quickly and ban importing birds alltogether like in Australia. Do you have any trusted friends or family you can leave Valo with? You could at least use webcams to "visit" your baby.

[Valo's Moirana]

alright, there's another thread about bringing the birds over to europe (and to my surprise the answers were quite different from "not possible" and "wouldn't try it").

i have another question concernerning quarantine (which was my main question originally):
how long do the birds have to be seperated?

thanks for your help.

[kateBird]

i wrote 60 days above, but i read somewhere here that it should be a full 90 days.

[Valo's Moirana]

Originally Posted by kateBird

i wrote 60 days above, but i read somewhere here that it should be a full 90 days.

oops, over-read it.... thanks!