Chickens in house

[Ruralhideaway]

It seems this elderly person is also living with the health risks. Any chance of getting family involved to fix things up?

 

[Karli7]

Trying to contact family.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi @Karli7

I agree, that getting the chickens moved outdoors is your best first step. Is there housing ready for them?

You mention they are in a room with no door, so can we assume they have had free run of the house too? If it's not possible to get them out within the next day or so, you may want to at least find a way to close off access to the rest of the house, so you can begin a clean-up in the kitchen and other living spaces.

You don't mention your location and that's fine, but having a general location in your profile helps - if you are in the US, then you may be experiencing cold temps right now which can further spread dust/dander due to trying to heat the home (depending on the heating system). Getting that room closed off and any heat/return vents closed in there would be good too.

It's not an ideal situation at all, but with extra care, I think you may be able to get that taken care of. Please wear a mask (respirator is best) to do any cleanup, especially in the room they have been housed - the bedding and poop can be very dusty and you don't want to breath all that in.

I hope all goes well and you find a solution to this situation.

 

[Karli7]

Hi @Karli7

I agree, that getting the chickens moved outdoors is your best first step. Is there housing ready for them?

You mention they are in a room with no door, so can we assume they have had free run of the house too? If it's not possible to get them out within the next day or so, you may want to at least find a way to close off access to the rest of the house, so you can begin a clean-up in the kitchen and other living spaces.

You don't mention your location and that's fine, but having a general location in your profile helps - if you are in the US, then you may be experiencing cold temps right now which can further spread dust/dander due to trying to heat the home (depending on the heating system). Getting that room closed off and any heat/return vents closed in there would be good too.

It's not an ideal situation at all, but with extra care, I think you may be able to get that taken care of. Please wear a mask (respirator is best) to do any cleanup, especially in the room they have been housed - the bedding and poop can be very dusty and you don't want to breath all that in.

I hope all goes well and you find a solution to this situation.

Thanks for your input. It is eastern nj. The lower part of doorways were blocked,so they stayed in that room. I covered the doorway with plastic, but the other living areas have been exposed to airborne germs from there for months. Thx

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thanks for your input. It is eastern nj. The lower part of doorways were blocked,so they stayed in that room. I covered the doorway with plastic, but the other living areas have been exposed to airborne germs from there for months. Thx

That's good that you covered the doorway in plastic. The concern is for your health and well being and of the chickens too. If you have the room completely closed off, the chickens will need some type of ventilation until you can get them outside. Their droppings, if not cleaned up, will have ammonia fumes - this can cause respiratory distress for them (and you). An open/cracked window in their room will hopefully help bring in some fresh air and remove some of the ammonia. Since you are NJ getting the chickens acclimated to colder temperatures is a good idea as well, so they can be transitioned outdoors. If there is any way possible, letting them outdoors during the day to start getting used to that would be good.

Do you happen to know what breed they are - are they fully feathered?

You have quite a task ahead of you, hopefully you can get some help with the clean-up and get things straightened out.

 

[Karli7]

They are fully feathered. Thanks