kids and chickens

[twinmom+1VT]

I was wondering what sort of things I need to be worried about with my kids (2.5 yr old twins and 7 month old) and the chickens, namely handling and possibility of zoonotic diseases. The chicks will be in our kitchen bathroom for the first week (still to cold at night to go into the garage, plus I want them nearby so they get really used to us). I plan on keeping hand sanitizer near the brooder as well as wash hands after any contact. Should the kids not touch the chickens at all? Naturally, the 7 month old will have no contact with them, but I'm sure my 2.5 yo will be interested.
We currently have 4 cats and 2 dogs so we're pretty used to handling animals gently and washing our hands after petting.

Our chicks come next week! So excited....just trying to be as prepared and educated as we can be!

 

[gmendoza]

chickens have diffrent diseases than domestic pets. I say to the youngsters (0-4) hands off without parental supervision.

Also put your chicks in the garage as soon as possible.If you have a brooder lamp,and you better,then the garage is the best place.Why would you want your kitchen to stink comming from chickens in your house? not fer me!!!!!!!

 

[Mervin]

I have two kids, one that is soon to be 4 and another that will be six in a month or so. We don't let them handle the chicks w/o supervision but that's more for the chick's protection than anything. They do handle the chicks regularly (about every other night or so) and help me with the "chicken chores" each day. From the beginning we've made a strong point about cleanliness. They are to wash their hands prior to and immediately after any chick encounter and they do pretty well with it. We simply stressed that the hand washing was to protect the chicks. The chicks have been in our downstairs bathroom for over three weeks (hope to finish their accommodations this weekend) without incident. I really wouldn't worry so much, things will be fine. Do try to make arrangements outside your house as quickly as possible though, but it's more b/c they're dusty and a little stinky. It depends on your level of tolerance, but honestly my DW's cat can make nearly as much stink in the litter box as a few birds IMO.

 

[Camelot Farms]

Quote:
I have chicks in my bathroom quite frequenlty and never had them stink. Now the goats were another matter...they were a little 'goaty'...but my chicks never stink.

 

[Mervin]

Honestly, mine really wouldn't either but I probably have a few too many in there. Also, it's really only bad if we're in there and get them all excited. To be truthful, I've got a dozen in the bathroom and it really isn't even as bad one steaming pile from a big old dog.

 

[mistyfeather]

my children did absolutely fine with our chicks! my kids are 6yrs, almost 5yrs and a 1yo. the older 2 were only alound to hold them with supervision but they were aloud to sit and watch them and put their hands in the brooder to pet them.both of them held, handled them (all 18 chicks) every day and every night befor going to bed( they even had to say good night and kiss each one

) i never had a problem

but it does take a long time for 18 chicks to get their "goodnight kisses" . i kept them in the garage under a heat lamp as they get every thing very dusty ! but all of our chicks were very used to being handled

 

[patandchickens]

Just depends how germophobic you are

Chickens have pooey feet/feathers/etc, and poo has poo germs that can potentially make you sick (technically speaking -- LOL). However chickens are not really much different in this regard than any other animals, including dogs and cats. So, exercise intelligent sanitation, and, IMHO, <shrug>

There are some diseases that chickens can potentially get that can be transmissible to humans but they are mostly fairly uncommon to rare in chickens, you generally KNOW the chicken is sick, and again, common sense is a good guide. I won't bother listing the exact diseases here unless you really care

So, if you are ok with your kids hanging out with garden dirt and animals, then chickens are really not much of any different. Aside from you want to be a bit careful with chickencoop dust.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[elmo]

We have some simple rules in our house. No people eat or drink in our indoor bird room. Wash your hands after coming out of the bird room. Wash your hands when you come inside after visiting the chickens.

We have plastic clogs that we use for visiting the chickens that we leave in a boot tray next to the door. We have separate plastic clogs for use in the indoor bird room that stay in that bird room.

That's pretty much it.

 

[lindseythefork]

Like someone else stated, I think it just depends on how germophobic you are. My daughter is 3 and I have never worried about her coming into contact with supergerms or anything. She collects eggs for us every day and throws them scratch and is constantly picking them up and moving them around the yard. Just have them wash their hands when they come in and have a pair of outdoor only shoes and there shouldn't be a problem.

I tell my daughter to make sure not get her face too close to the chickens to avoid eye pecking.. she had to test that one out for herself one day, though, and got a little peck to the eye. She still has both eyes so she's no worse for wear on that lesson.

 

[Yardbirds286]

I am new to chicks myself. Have 10, and 2 year old boys. We have our brooder set up here in the living room for when they are very young, and a larger one set up in the basement for when they start to get a bit older. We are expecting 6 chicks very soon. How long should I wait before we handle them? Also, is there a danger of having a snack, or something to drink in the living room while they are up here? We eat next to the dog and cat we have, but as mentioned before chicks are a little different. Don't mean to take over the thread, this is a good topic.