Is it safe to have chicks or goslings indoor ?

[Pgw]

I keep seeing warnings about Salmonella with chicks/ goslings and keeping them indoors for first 6 weeks. I am a newby and concerned because I was hoping to get chicks in spring and it is still chilly here in sc.

 

[SilverBirds]

As long as you are washing your hands and not sticking them in your mouth after handling, you'll be fine. I've raised poultry indoors every year for the past 9 years and keep reptiles and no one in my household has ever gotten salmonella.

 

[Pgw]

As long as you are washing your hands and not sticking them in your mouth after handling, you'll be fine. I've raised poultry indoors every year for the past 9 years and keep reptiles and no one in my household has ever gotten salmonella.

Thanks!

 

[FrostRanger]

Agreed, just maintain proper sanitation and you shouldn't run into issues. Many of us myself included, brood indoors and have been fine. Enjoy your new chicks and goslings!

 

[Pgw]

Agreed, just maintain proper sanitation and you shouldn't run into issues. Many of us myself included, brood indoors and have been fine. Enjoy your new chicks and goslings!

Thanks so much!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Salmonella is in the environment, especially outdoors. Any dog or cat that goes outside to relieve itself can bring salmonella back inside. That's why the "experts" recommend washing your hands after petting a house dog or cat before you touch your face or handle food, let alone handling your chicks or their bedding. Animals that live outside are much more likely to have salmonella on them than house animals.

But all of this is relative. How many people do you know that pet and handle their animals all of the time without constantly coming down sick? I'm not trying to downplay the risks from Salmonella, just trying to bring it into perspective. I copied the statistics below from a CDC website. Your best protection is washing your hands.

CDC estimates Salmonella cause about 1.35 million illnesses, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths in the United States every year.

 

[Bubblesduck]

I keep seeing warnings about Salmonella with chicks/ goslings and keeping them indoors for first 6 weeks. I am a newby and concerned because I was hoping to get chicks in spring and it is still chilly here in sc.

It’s totally safe- I’ve raised countless ducks (and let the little ones sleep on a pee pad on the bed)…never had any issues (these are pet ducks kept in an aviary so they don’t mix with wild ducks nor swim in an open lake, just thier private pond)

 

[Penpal]

Salmonella is most often found on eggs from big indoor egg producers, not backyard chickens. Because they are housed so tightly. This is why they are always washed.

Said from my MD who is also a chicken keeper.