How 'extra' do I have to be?

[Cryss]

Also, out of respect, if I am visiting another flock I will not wear anything I have ever worn in with my chickens.

 

[CayugaJana]

I don't think I'll ruin my shoes but I know I'll track poop in with the soles of my shoes. I do keep separate shoes, and a separate pair of boots for snow. I never wear my work clothes, shoes,or coat in the coop, but as long as no one pooped on me I do wear my casual home clothing around chickens and in my home. Of course handwashing goes without saying.

I wear my pjs, muck boots, and maybe a coat depending on the time of year! Because who wants to get poop on their work clothes first thing in the morning?!

But honestly, research shows children who live on a farm have less allergies and a more robust immune system. Because they are introduced to more microbes early in life. I know you said you don’t have kiddos, but I honestly do think your immune system is kept in better shape with farm animals!

 

[Cryss]

I wear my pjs, muck boots, and maybe a coat depending on the time of year! Because who wants to get poop on their work clothes first thing in the morning?!

But honestly, research shows children who live on a farm have less allergies and a more robust immune system. Because they are introduced to more microbes early in life. I know you said you don’t have kiddos, but I honestly do think your immune system is kept in better shape with farm animals!

How about pink bathrobe and crocs at 6am?
I so agree about immune systems being stronger on a farm.

 

[HopeSprings]

In Saturday a woman with a heavy cough came into the shop where I work. "Pollen?" I asked. "No, bad cold," she answered. I immediately headed for the basement until she left as I'm on immune suppression drugs!
Now I'm wondering if I can catch something from (future) chickens!

 

[Kris5902]

Well, to the original question, I wipe the poop off my boots and leave them just inside the door. I usually don’t even bother with handwashing unless I *know* I have poop on them or I’m going to cook a meal. I frequently don’t worry about a little poop on my clothes, but if it’s in my hair (yeah, that happens!) or a lot of it is on my clothes ie: “I can smell it”... then it’s time to change. If there’s poop on my phone, because I dropped it in some, or a chicken dropped one on it while I was taking pics of her or treating her for something, then yep I sanitize it... I think I have now fully acclimated to the farm! Lol.

Poop happens! Don’t worry too much about that.

I do have separate clothing and shoes for going to the city. Bio security when visiting other flocks or places other chicken people might go (feed store!) is very important though! I find it easier to have separate “town clothes”, rather than “coop clothes”, but it all comes down to how it works out best for you.

And yes... start building ASAP! They grow so quickly... and it always takes 3 times longer than planned to get anything built, I find! Another tip... don’t fret too much about making things “perfect” right away. Think of it as an evolution you’re going to find things that work, and things you can improve on!

Congratulations on your new chicks and

 

[Alexandra33]

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

 

[WindingRoad]

I'm getting on my hubby, he keeps saying we have a few more weeks, and I keep telling him its better to get it done sooner then later..

Wait until they poop some more. He'll start the coop then. LOL. I'd put the brooder on his side of the bed fer sure. Also, put your heat lamp on one end of the brooder so the chicks can move away if they get too hot.. Good luck.

 

[Kris5902]

Yep... the dog was licking the poop off the knee of my jeans yesterday... but when I go into the city it’s nice not to be covered in it, despite that’s my 90% of the time state... I spend more time with our animals than I do people now, I suppose if it was the other way around my clothing choices would be that way too. You find the right balance for each situation. When it comes to things like VND, Mareks, avian flu... better to play it safe, for the chickens sake!

 

[CayugaJana]

Wait until they poop some more. He'll start the coop then. LOL. I'd put the brooder on his side of the bed fer sure. Also, put your heat lamp on one end of the brooder so the chicks can move away if they get too hot.. Good luck.

I agree. The smell will motivate him in no time.

 

[aart]

I'm getting on my hubby, he keeps saying we have a few more weeks, and I keep telling him its better to get it done sooner then later.

It'll take a few weeks to build...and maybe a few weeks to get a good design.

... I'm on immune suppression drugs!
Now I'm wondering if I can catch something from (future) chickens!

If one is immunosuppressed, definitely susceptible to stuff on chickens.
I'll bet your doctor will say.... no chickens.