>What safety procedures should be followed when people come to play with
>my birds.  My main worry is the people who are *looking* to get a bird
>and go from one place to another.
Request that they come to your house EARLY--before any of the pet stores
open. Explain to the potential buyer the dangers of bird diseases, and
how easily they are transmitted--it's something they should know
*anyway* if they plan to have a bird. Ask them to make YOUR house the
only place they go around birds that day; if they have several stops
planned, make yours the first one.
Request that they take a shower and put on clean clothing immediately
before coming over to your house. Ask them to take off their shoes at
the door--you might provide washable or disposable slipper sox for them
to wear during their visit.
Before they handle any birds, ask them to wash their hands to the elbow
with a good disinfectant soap. You can ask them to wear lab coats or
aprons, or just put towels across their laps before letting them hold
babies.
I find that if you explain carefully how dangerous some bird viruses
are, most buyers who are REALLY interested in getting a bird will be
happy to do what you ask. Those who won't, or who don't care...well,
they don't get to come to MY house.
--Kathy
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