How 'extra' do I have to be?

[Cryss]

Caution the support at BYC can lead to chicken math. This announcement has no scientific basis. But boy do we have fun!

TRUE!

 

[Coop Z-ville]

Another add on question, I've read that its good to take the chicks out for 'outside play time', is this really okay to do? Today it's sunny, not windy, and 50 degrees.

I would wait awhile on that. I live in central Indiana, and the ground is still very cold. 50 degrees, even though it seems warm to us after a super cold winter, is chilling to small chicks. Hold on awhile longer-we'll get that warmth yet!

 

[meglynnie]

Just as an update, after 5 days of having chicks I have move on from being extra, and to wiping my hands in the grass

 

[Jeddice]

Spit on them first, then wipe.

Just like we did with our children spit on fingers and clean face.

 

[Jack Speese]

I've had poultry most of my life and I've never gotten sick from them. I take the basic common sense precautions like washing my hands, and I also do my best to keep the coop and run as clean as I can, for the sake of everyone's health. I agree, sometimes reading things will make you paranoid. If you read the Merck veterinary manual, which admittedly is a useful reference, and read about all the potential diseases, parasites, etc. that poultry could get and give to people, you'll wonder why they haven't gone the way of the dinosaurs and perhaps taken us along with them!

 

[KSH1]

Not much hand washing here! Admittedly, I'm quite possibly one of the filthiest, most disgusting people you'll ever meet.... but I'm also the healthiest. I grew up handling many types of animals without worrying about cleanliness - cats, finches, parakeets, turtles, toads (those things even get kisses for being so adorable!), frogs, snakes, fish (yes, even fish were worthy of snuggles ), salamanders, earthworms, dogs, wild birds of all ages, ect.. For whatever reason, chickens, turkeys, and ducks don't strike me as any "germier" than the rest.

As stated above, poop happens. Plain and simple. No use getting worked up (unless in the event of elderly, infants, or those with compromised immune systems) over something so natural, so routine. I only wash my hands if the smell is unbearable.....otherwise, a good wipe in the grass does the trick. There's absolutely nothing wrong with practicing good hygiene, if desired, but I simply don't have the time or inclination to do so. Ideally, my nicer clothing/footwear would stay relatively pristine, however, there are instances where speed is necessary, and I simply can't change before entering the coop. Same concept applies when dirty coop attire makes an appearance in public, complete with stowaway eggs in pockets. Hey, it works for me, so life will continue. To each their own!

It's perfectly alright if you wish to maintain biosecurity, but don't forget to enjoy the birds. Far too easy to get caught up in fear and stress, thereby losing sight of your original intent.

~Alex

Lol Alex I think we might be long lost relatives.
Meglynnie glad you're able to relax. I used the grass wiping method yesterday after I nicked myself with a mucky knife while cutting open a hay bales. I considered the wiping to be extra due to the broken skin lol. (I did actually treat it when I got to the house; I don't have time for an infected thumb. I really need to remember to get a new blade into that knife though.)
That's just me, but I'm filthy like Alex!

I just noticed we're in 3 corners of Ohio.

 

[grandbayou]

Washing hands works. Good luck with the reds. They are great layers but roam way to much for free range. My last one dissapeared 2 weeks ago. My other hens stay closer to home.

 

[cbhunter777]

Thank you everyone for the honest replies! Researching via google is probably not the best idea.. lol

Before Google, the t.v. program "House" was my daughter's medical diagnostic too. Of course she could only survive so many of those diseases before I had to drag her back to reality. So I know exactly what you mean. Good luck and have fun with your new farm babies!

 

[Elfer]

I wash my hair after I feel a "plop" from above. Mine only use the roosting bars as a launch to get to the preferred rafters. You might want to order some good boot scrapers. Tractor Supply doesn't even carry them here. I do immediately wash my hands after handling eggs. Otherwise, it's whenever I go inside, but I don't touch my face without hand washing. I try not to handle a (free range) chicken wearing my "good clothes", but it's rare that I can catch one, and if there's one in the yard within grabbing range, they're gonna get hugged!

 

[CTratterriers]

May I inquire as to why you bring your phone into the coop?