How paranoid are you?... Am I going overboard?

[ParrotsNPullets]

For you parrot and pet bird owners with chickens... how careful are you about transmitting possible parasites/diseases between your outdoor and indoor flocks?

We have 4 parrots that we love dearly; we LOVE birds of all kinds. When we first started putting up bird feeders for wild birds outside we made sure to sterilize our hands before going back in the house so as to prevent transmitting anything to our little flock indoors. Now that we have chickens too... we are completely paranoid about transmitting something from our chickens to our parrots. I'm not really worried about our parrots transmitting anything to the chickens because they have vet checkups and have been a closed flock for years. And yes, even after going to the pet store for their food/toys we disinfect before going into our home.

Am I being overly paranoid about my chickens? I ask because it is getting in the way of how much I handle them and I have raised them from chicks... I love my fluffy chickens but I don't hold them much because I am worried about them brushing on my clothing. I have tried wearing different clothes but a lot of times I don't have the time to change to run out and care for them...

*Sigh* Am I too paranoid? Do you think I can relax a bit and handle my girls more?.... If any of you out there have any insights to share I would appreciate it, I am so frustrated that I am almost afraid to enjoy my outdoor flock! I wouldn't have bothered getting gentle and calm breeds if I didn't want to handle them.

 

[thebritt]

NO, YOU ARE NOT BEING PARANOID! We have indoor birds as well as chickens, and we are VERY careful to protect our conure, cockateil, and parakeet. I mean, we don't change clothes if we go outside, but we certainly wash hands!
And yes, we handle our chickens!

 

[ParrotsNPullets]

Thank you for the response, glad to hear from another pet bird owner.
Anyone else out there?

 

[CheepSunglasses]

YES! We are very careful not to expose our parrots to anything that our chickens might have or pick up. We don't change clothes, but we do wash up.

 

[starting.from.scratch]

I don't have indoor birds like you do, but I don't think you can ever be too careful. Washing up makes perfect sense - for the safety of both of your flocks.
I currently have some recovering (but were extremely sick) chicks in the bathroom, while I have 2 3 month old BO pullets in the yard. What I've been doing to keep everyone safe is I have designated 2 old shirts. 1 is for outside girl time, and the other is for inside. Not saying your birds are ill, but it's been easy to just throw on a shirt for either circumstance. The shirts are old so I can wash in hot water.

Just a thought, I think if you want to spend time with your babies, you should!

 

[KotaDVM]

You could get a pair of coveralls and rubber boots from a tractor supply store for when you are around your chickens. I bought a pair for $20 for working on the farm. The coveralls easily slip over clothes you are currently wearing and can withstand some heavy washing. The boots can be easily disinfected. If you want to be super duper careful, you can buy latex gloves at walmart for a few dollars and handle your chickens with gloves on.

 

[mom'sfolly]

I'm going to suggest something to wear too. I think a lab coat would actually work better then coveralls, but is the same basic idea. They are made to be washed, are fairly comfortable and cover most of your body. Additionally, they are light weight and easier to get in and out of then coveralls. Just hang them outside the back door. I've stopped feeding the wild birds simply because I don't want the extra contact with my chickens that feeding them would invite. I think in terms of pets, parrots are more like lifelong companions, and are more expensive than the chickens; you should be concerned about protecting them.

 

[ParrotsNPullets]

Thanks for all of the suggestions everyone!

Startingfromscratch I like your idea of 2 old shirts, I think I will do that until I can get some of those coveralls or a lab coat as you guys suggested. I'm off to the coop now, time to get out one of those big baggy night shirts I've had for years.

Thanks again guys