Ok to have chickens with a mom with CF?

@lazy gardener, thanks for your in depth response. We currently park our cars outside our garage but experience something similar because they sit under a sick tree that sheds a fine mist of sap all over. At some point we will cut it down, but thank you for the warning. I would hate for something similar to happen to all the non junk stuff in my garage before it got put properly away. I was entertaining the idea about brooding outdoors, but couldn't make all the pieces work, which is why I thought the garage was my best option. With your suggestion of using "mama heating pad," brooding outdoors isn't just the most convenient, but it makes the most sense. I'm going to be doing that method when I get baby chicks!

As for noisy hens, thanks for the warning there too. I guess since I've visited three sets of chickens since beginning my research, I didn't observe any of them making more than a "warble." But I guess I didn't visit after any if them laid an egg either! I did a little more research, and I think the most important thing is they don't make much noise at night. The neighbors that would be most affected are gone most of the day and also have dogs (that bark in the middle if the night--just saying!). I've put it on my to do list to talk to them the next time I see them.

My mom has an appointment with her doctors this Thursday, so we will see what they say. I'll keep everyone who's interested posted.

You're very welcome. Don't let your neighbors with their noisy dogs sway your opinion. One thing you'll have to be cautious of is dogs coming to visit. Often, neighborhood dogs are the most lethal predators.

My hens make a lot (huge!) amount of noise every time they see the new chicks. Invaders! But, about dusk, they waddle off to bed and are quiet until next day when whatever gets them going. This is not often. Roosters will crow all day and all night. My neighbors like the hens and chicks (older folks, they can watch and not work, get some eggs once in awhile). Between dawn and dusk the hens are practially silent.

Well I can speak! I AM a mom with Cf and chickens How many of us are there, like 3? lol
I was diagnosed at 1 yr old, I am in my mid 30s and I have 3 children. We live on a horse farm though I don't tend to the horses much because the barn dust irritates me. We do hay, gardening, pets and just about everything else a horse/chicken property does and I'm very hands on.
I was raised on a farm. My mother was extremely vigilant with my Cf care and I was on a strict regimen. However she never kept me from doing normal childhood stuff (unless of course I was extremely ill obviously). I had to do chores just like my brothers, year round. Cf was never an excuse. I believe this is what helped shape me to be the hardworking Cf mama I am today.
I do a round of IV treatment on average every 2 yrs. I'm assuming you know Cf so that can describe my level of disease to you. I am very compliant with my health care but I also desire to live a life to the best of my ability.
My doctor knows I have chickens and animals. She has no problem with it. But then again, she also knows that I am extremely compliant with my treatments, so she has a level of trust in me. I am very good about handwashing, and my kids and regular visitors are trained to do so also.
One thing that was important to me was where I get my chickens from, and the concern over avian flu and other poultry disease. Obviously I get all my vaccines, having Cf...but I did chose to only buy birds from small local farmers that I know do not have a lot of traffic to and from large growers. I also decided to stay away from 4H shows this year, to be abundantly cautious.

Right now, I'm on IVs at home, for a little tune up. I am always sure to wrap my arm very well and stay totally covered when handling the birds. And obviously good handwashing. To me, this is no different than handling my dog or cat. I keep my coop very clean and above all, well ventilated! I want to be able to clean my coop myself so besides for the chickens, it has to be well ventilated for me too. Something worth noting is that some chicken keepers use diatomaceous earth. I use it too. However even food grade DE is not good to breathe in, so I have my husband mix that up whenever I use it, or if I he can't I wear a thick contractor's mask.

The enjoyment I get from my mini farm far outweighs anything else, for me. I get so much satisfaction from it, healthy exercise which is CRUCIAL for people with Cf, and me and my family are eating healthier than the average american for sure. I understand your concern as a loved one to a Cfer, and I thank you for being such a caring loved one! Just remember it isn't all what's on paper that matters. We live in an age where anything can be googled, and our minds can run wild with fear. For me, I have to live my life as best I can, doing what I love. I believe that happiness equals health to a degree. If I had listened to my fears year ago I wouldn't have been able to build the family I have today.
Best wishes!

@lazy gardener, I'm not too worried about their dogs paying us a visit. Our neighborhood is on a slope so the wall to the neighbors east of us is about 10ft tall and the west of us about 5-6 ft tall, but on the other side (where the neighbors with noisy dogs are) is about 10ft high. I'm more concerned about the chickens flying over and becoming a delivered meal for the dogs than anything else! I may have to build some structure to raise the west wall (I'm thinking something like aviary netting or something).

@mamascarlett, thanks for sharing your story! My mom was diagnosed shortly after I was born at the age of 35. In fact, her catching tuberculosis Avium mycobacterium was what prompted doctors to dig a little deeper and find out what was really going on. In 2003, she had a lung transplant and I was given the beautiful opportunity to really get to know her! Before that, it was a struggle for her to just get up out of a chair and walk a few feet even with oxygen full time. She's one of the strongest, most determined women I know and I am so proud to have her as my mother.

I also understand your comment on fear...she used to be a nurse before she was diagnosed and when any one would get sick she'd pull out her giant book of diseases and find the worst possible one! Luckily, she hasn't been right yet...in fact, I've commended her for going out and doing things that may be deemed a little "risky." Why get a new lease on life if the life your living isn't worth it? And by that I mean living isn't being too fearful of leaving home...