birds infecting us

[Newfarmer36]

I have chickens and ducks. I had my 4 month old duck in the house today. I was trying to love on her so she wouldn't be scared of me. My husband said he wanted her out of the house bc he's scared she will end up making me really sick. He said he worries about my health bc I mess with the chickens and ducks so much. How much truth is in him thinking this way?

 

[AlleysChicks]

I’ve had chickens for over a year and I’ve not been sick from them. I’ve touched my face, rubbed my eyes and put my hands in my mouth. My mother said the same thing about chickens.

 

[Newfarmer36]

I’ve had chickens for over a year and I’ve not been sick from them. I’ve touched my face, rubbed my eyes and put my hands in my mouth. My mother said the same thing about chickens.

Oh ok! I hope like crazy that I don't catch a cold or something. He'll make me go straight to the dr!

 

[Boonie Stomper]

Someone who has never been in contact with birds is more likely to have no immunity to germs on them and get sick than is someone regularly exposed to them. Referring to normal germs however. But you could also transfer those germs to someone when you have not taken necessary measures to get them off you.

 

[Stayc]

I doubt severely you will ever get sick from your feathered friends. I think that only comes with improperly cooked meat. So love them all you want I'm sure they love it as much as you.

 

[sourland]

Salmonella is a possibility when dealing with poultry, but you are not going to get a cold from your birds. Wash your hands after handling your birds or cleaning after them, and you will be fine. You have a greater chance of getting sick from a pet turtle.

 

[Newfarmer36]

Thank y'all! He was starting to make ME worry about it! Ive had these since August.

 

[lazy gardener]

NF, do you have any medical concerns that place you at more risk of infection? Common sense practice should prevail. Obviously, if you are on any immunosuppressants, pregnant, or trying to get pregnant, then you must be very diligent to avoid exposure to illness. Chickens have been implicated in transmission of salmonella, and it's possible to pick up other illness from them. I've had chickens for years, and raised multiple broods of chicks, never had any illness associated with them. Would I rub a chick on my face, or kiss it? Absolutely not. Nor would I kiss my dog on the lips. I know where those lips have been! Enjoy your birds, but keep them away from your face!

 

[AlleysChicks]

Salmonella is a possibility when dealing with poultry, but you are not going to get a cold from your birds. Wash your hands after handling your birds or cleaning after them, and you will be fine. You have a greater chance of getting sick from a pet turtle.

Hey now Sour, leave turtles out of this lol You are more likely to catch something from another person.

 

[Stayc]

Hey now Sour, leave turtles out of this lol You are more likely to catch something from another person.

Cuz he's always in his undergarments