Copy and pasted from: PARROT EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID (Robyn A Kanatchski)
MYTH: Parrots, dogs & cats will form a "family" group.
FACT: Special care must be taken to protect your parrot from other species within your household.
Many caregivers live with more than one species of pet - parrots, cats, dogs, etc. Often, caregivers will ask me, "How can I introduce my parrot to x, y or z?" The answer is that it is NOT safe to do so. In fact, it is safer for your parrot if you keep all other animals separated from parrots. The following are some of the reasons:
Ø The weight of a dog's paw striking a parrot (intentionally or unintentionally) can cause severe injury.
Ø Cat saliva contains the bacteria pasteurella which is deadly to your parrot. One lick or scratch could be fatal to your parrot and veterinary assistance is required immediately. Even with veterinary assistance, your parrot may not survive.
Ø Dogs and cats can be possessive over their food bowls/toys and beds, and they may react - without intent to harm - to a passing parrot. Instinct will always trump what you have taught your dog/cat.
Nature will always overcome nurture. Not one single dog is allowed near my parrots, nor will they ever be. It doesn't matter if I am in the same room or not...I can't move as quickly as a dog - even a small Cavalier.
Don't be lured into thinking that you are a boss or a pack leader. Don't fool yourself into thinking that predator and prey can live in the same house without issue. Your predators will never view your prey as family. One day that switch will be turned on - without warning and with probable fatal results.
World renowned Avian Specialist: Dr. Brian Speer, a board certified avian veterinarian, 2000 president of the Association of Avian Veterinarians, and co-author of Birds for Dummies.
Why Mammal Saliva and Birds Don't Mix
Birds mouths are much cleaner than ours. And, ours are much cleaner than say a cat's. When it comes to birds, the most dangerous organism in any mammal's mouth is something called Pasteurella multocida. Once introduced onto or into a bird, Pasteurella multocida can become a "very infectious organism," says Speer, crossing membranes, entering the blood stream, and taking a bird from perfect health to death in as little as one hour.
That means a bird that is attacked by a cat, even if the injuries look minor, can be in serious trouble. The bird's instinct will be to clean the wounds by licking them. Doing so, the bird ingests this dangerous organism and may be starting a chain of events that leads to serious illness and even death.
According to Speer, this same organism can be found to a lesser extent in dog and human saliva. "Unless it's a really wet kiss," chuckles Speer, "It's not a real danger to kiss them." However, he warns that safety precautions should be taken to prevent any cats or dogs (no matter how well-behaved) from "kissing" your pet bird -- even if it does look cute. Sharing food with your bird can also be a bad idea. For example, if you bite off a piece of apple before feeding it to your bird, your saliva is on that piece of food and can be introduced into your bird's system.
"In general, the rule of thumb is that you don't want saliva and pet birds to mix," says Speer.
My own personal experience is that human saliva also can infect a bird with E Coli which just as deadly as multicida pastuerella.
Also bird on bird violence is a big concern. Separate, observe and make sure your birds are protected from each other.
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