Salmonella - Do I need to worry about my Kids and Chicken Poop?

[Shelbyrayl]

I have 3 kids and have often seen them carrying around chicken poop. (Even though I tell them often to leave it alone) Do I need to worry about them getting sick from Salmonella? My wife says that the chickens need to go because their poop will make our kids sick. Any thoughts?

 

[hinkjc]

Any feces touching and then hands in mouth is bound to make you sick. I would practice strict hand washing and every time you catch them touching it, make them go wash. Kids catch on pretty quick and either get used to lots of hand washing or stop touching it.

 

[EweSheep]

Yep that's right. Wash up kids!

 

[Shelbyrayl]

I can sure make them wash their hands but when they are eating it (our two year old) it is hard to wash their mouth. So I guess the only choice is to get rid of the chickens or keep them locked in their pen?

 

[Renee]

I would keep them locked in their pen.
The children, that is.

Just kidding. Eating chicken poop is a big no-no. It's not quite as bad as eating doggie poop, but it's a really bad idea. If you can keep the chickens in their coop it might be best until you can teach the kids to stay away from the poop.