Chickens at school (UPDATE pg 2)

[moetrout]

Did you happen to ask this person for examples of those fowl things chickens carry? I would bet she can't site one factual example. Sounds like one person pushing their own personal opinion on another.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

The only real health hazard I can think of is infection. As with any animal and children/kids they tend to get scratched due to mishandling. Heck I get scratched now and then. Cat scratches are infamous causes of infection. Chickens are good contenders too due to walking on their own poo. Not that a coop is dirty per se, it's just an inevitability.

 

[ChooksinChoppers]

Was it just one board member who was against this? Has she ever seen a properly set up coop and run? maybe print out a few pictures of the coops people on this forum have built as well as pics of some pretty chickens. What about if you had a hand sanitizer station set up outside (similar to what they have at our supermarkets) with hand wipes. Then when they are done with chores or visit, use the station then go inside and wash hands as well? kinda double protection so none of the kids puts finger in mouth or picks nose on the way back to building

I can't imagine what this persons concern might be....maybe avian flu? If so, then the type of avian flu that is contagous to humans has not been found in north America.
And of course each child wanting to participate would have to have a permission note from parent. That would eliminate any allergic concerns.
I would make sure the run has a few inches of sand with food grade DE mixed in it as this is the best way to eliminate smell and prevent mites and flies. I am planninng to do a raised garden bed in my chickens run so they can have fresh greens anytime. If you cover it with chicken wire they can't decimate it.....plus it looks pretty as well.
If you would like to PM me with an address i can mail you a packet with info to show everyone. ( I have an extra one as we are trying to change our "chicken laws" )

 

[Maggies Pop]

Quote:
The person who wrote this attends every board meeting as a member of the school district (she helps with financials) not as an actual board member. She suggested I speak with the head of the district.

I would love to have a packet! I will PM you my address. Any info I can get my hands on to make this happen is truly appreciated. We are in good graces with the school district now, but when we first tried to start the school we got lots of resistance and even were told no the first two attempts to start. They were afraid we were trying to take away "their" students. We have been a school now for 6 years and the relationship has improved greatly, but we still have to prove ourselves when we go out on a "whacky limb"

Thank you to everyone who is replying....it's encouraging to see others think it's a good idea. My other board members are on board, it's just convincing the powers that be above us.

 

[MI-CHick]

I would love to have chickens as part of our school garden. However I am concerned about them being cared for when school is out - regular two day weekend, extended weekends and the two week break in December. Unlike a hamster or bunny that can go to home with a student in a cage for a few days, I don't think that would work with chickens. I am interested to see how other schools handle this.

I think that chickens are great learning "tools" from caring for another life, cycle of life from egg to chick and amazing natural composters turning waste into edible eggs and wonderful fertilizer.

Good luck!

 

[MI-CHick]

As for being a health hazard, children are supposed to wash their hands after touching any animal - cat, dog, bunny, hen. A child, or adult shouldn't be putting an open cut on any animal. Just my opinion.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
There are certainly more concerns than just infection, but as I pointed out in an earlier post, proper care and testing can eliminate most of those concerns. Saying--"oh, it can't be" invites naysayers. Doing due-diligence to identify and minimize any risks limits them as they see that their concerns and fears are being addressed and dealt with, not ignored.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

To what extent does the school district control your school? Do they sponsor your charter?

 

[Chickens&Ducks]

I think this idea ROCKS!!

I'm sure the concern would be salmonella or e.coli and even if it's not likely, you know how people are. They freak out over the most ridiculous things. I've found that these animals teach so many interesting lessons without having to try!

My kids have chickens, ducks, dogs, and guinea pigs at their school but it's because we choose to homeschool.

It's a bit different.

 

[Maggies Pop]

Hi folks! I just wanted to post aquick update. I have talked to all the departments I needed to, Environmental Health, Ag Commisioner, School District, etc and I have the OK to get chicks for school! My last step is running it by our school board, which will be a breeze since I am the board President and I have 3 other members who have already OK'd it, just not an official vote yet! I am so excited!

Right now I am making up a cob coop design that the older kids can help us build.

Thank you all for suggestions and help! I really appreciate it!