How 'extra' do I have to be?

[SurferchickinSB]

Good Evening Flock!

I'm extremely new to chickens. Last night I picked up 10 Rhode Island Red chicks and brought them safely home. They are such fun lil creatures!

I have always wanted chickens to add into our hobby farm, however I was always hesitate due to being a bit paranoid of zoonotic diseases via chickens. I have no idea why I am paranoid about this. I have/had horses, cat, rabbits and dogs but I suppose my slight paranoia is due to not being around chickens at all in my life.

My question is how 'extra' do I need to be with cleanliness to make sure me, my husband and visitors stay healthy?

The most basic step is of course washing hands before or after, but then I feel I get to extreme. I get back in the house and change my clothes out immediately, leave my shoes outside, and sanitize my phone. Is all that really necessary or am I really doing the right thing?

I know this is such an odd topic but hey I have to learn some how!

Thank you!

I am a little paranoid of diseases too. I mainly just try to keep their area super clean and pick up the poop four times a day, so it doesn’t get in their food or anything. I also wash their water containers every day. I just figure as long as my chickens are kept clean, there immune system‘s will be a lot stronger. I used to keep them behind a totally screened in run so no flies or mosquitoes could get to them but now I let them out in the open area that is fenced in during the day, so I guess I am slightly taking chances with the wild birds coming into their area, but they seem so happy.

 

[Jeddice]

I have been looking at this coop. I have A baRn coop that needs upgrAding anf hubby is stalling. Its good to know this is a possibility!

All 11 of the ladies have taken to sleeping together and they use the new coop to lay eggs in. I very seldom have to clean poop trays in new house. Guess they like a clean one to lay eggs in.

 

[Larry Rose]

You may safely use Apple Cider Vinegar on Roost Perches and other places as an extra means of sanitation. I use it a couple of times a week on Roosts just before the Birds go to Roost for the night. It helps keep Mites at bay and kills other microscopic insects. Makes the place smell nice, at least for awhile. It's available at the Dollar Tree. Use it freely. It is safe to use around just about anything. I keep a couple of extra bottles in the Coop for the mister bottle. I use it 3/4 vinegar and 1/4 water.

 

[Larry Rose]

Seriously though, good biosecurity really is important.

Oh, and coop building....build larger than you think you will need, if possible. Chicken math is real.

I agree. Always build it bigger. When I built mine, I opted for 12' X 12'. I was thinking someday I would wish I had made it 12' X 16', and that time is here. But good space management is important. Keep things off the floor as much as you can, allowing the Chickens more "Floor Space" will make it seem just fine. Everything is on the wall in my Coop except the feed storage. (And this will change too) I bought those tall plastic storage tubs that they sell to store wrapping paper in. They hold a 40 lb bag and only consume about a square foot of floor space. You will learn. Be patient and take the bad advice with the good. Everyone here has their own way of doing things and most all are willing to help you. Especially when it comes to giving advice! LOL.

 

[ValerieJ]

Hi Meglynnie. You have gotten a lot of good advice here. Wish I had asked the same questions when I started 4 years ago. haha My advice is, go with the flow of your chickens. I started with one big coop for 6 chickens. My husband built that one - 4x10 with 6 nesting boxes. My chicken run is huge as it is also our small orchard (7 trees). I have not covered over the top because of the trees, but have only lost one chicken to a predator. That particular chicken used to get up in the top of an apple tree and give very loud speeches. So, one day the eagle just plucked her off the tree. So sad. We are in a forested area along a river so the predators have plenty of food available and do not need to dig or climb to get to my chickens. As time has gone by and my flock doubled in size I have added a couple more coops, one of which I bought. Don't do that. They don't hold up like a good home made one. I've also added outdoor covered areas so they can be out during a rainy day and stay dry. My girls are quite happy birds. They love to run and flap their wings, and they have plenty of space and obstacles to get away from one another when they want and need to. I actually have sectioned it off into three runs for segregation and integration as needed.

I wanted to say a word about cleanliness. I'm a bit of a germaphobe so in the beginning I was cleaning coops 2 or 3 times a week -- now only once a week. But I keep my barn boots out in the shed with the chicken supplies, as well as gloves and jackets dedicated to chicken care duties. When I come in I wash my hands and sanitize. I'm also quite careful when washing eggs to sanitize everything afterward. I know some will say not to wash eggs, but I just have to. They are kept in the refrigerator and I have never had a bad egg.

You are going to love raising chickens. They are so entertaining, and they give you eggs!

 

[Cryss]

I know some will say not to wash eggs, but I just have to. They are kept in the refrigerator and I have never had a bad egg.

I wash my eggs and refrigerate them. To make them last even longer I learned from a friend to lightly oil them with mineral oil. This replaces the protective bloom that was washed away and prevents air getting in through the porous shell. I've had them at least 6 months if not longer.

 

[ValerieJ]

That's good to know!

 

[staceyj]

Good Evening Flock!

I'm extremely new to chickens. Last night I picked up 10 Rhode Island Red chicks and brought them safely home. They are such fun lil creatures!

I have always wanted chickens to add into our hobby farm, however I was always hesitate due to being a bit paranoid of zoonotic diseases via chickens. I have no idea why I am paranoid about this. I have/had horses, cat, rabbits and dogs but I suppose my slight paranoia is due to not being around chickens at all in my life.

My question is how 'extra' do I need to be with cleanliness to make sure me, my husband and visitors stay healthy?

The most basic step is of course washing hands before or after, but then I feel I get to extreme. I get back in the house and change my clothes out immediately, leave my shoes outside, and sanitize my phone. Is all that really necessary or am I really doing the right thing?

I know this is such an odd topic but hey I have to learn some how!

Thank you!

No topics are “odd” here.
Welcome to BYC.

Good sense and proper hand washing are a good idea in any situation.

@aart makes a good point about autoimmune suppression!

As well as if you or a family member are on long term steroids or “biologics” for an auto immune disease.

 

[meglynnie]

I'm not so extra now! I have found my routine and comfort with my chicks with the needed precautions!

Thank you everyone for the help, I got used to them real quick.

 

[WELDON99]

I always wash my hands after visiting the coops, but that's about it! (Knock on wood) Never had any problems!