Mt. Healthy cleared of salmonella? Would you order from them?

[sarahandbray]

I just bought 6 fabulous Golden Comet laying hens (22-weeks-old) for $12 each from the nicest couple who only wanted to have 5 hens total. They are AWESOME--super fluffy, very solid/pretty birds, that have been consistently laying big, brown eggs.

I called the Tractor Supply where I think this nice guy got these birds and she said they order from Mt. Hatchery (which I think she meant to say, Mt. Healthy Hatchery).

After Googling them, I realized they do, in fact, sell Golden Comets but have had recent problems with a salmonella outbreak!!!

Was thinking of ordering most of my chicks from McMurray but then getting Golden Comets as my good layer chicks from Mt. Healthy, as these Golden Comets are WAY nicer looking than my Red Stars from McMurray.

What do you think? Avoid them?

Sarah


Pic of one of the new girls--Golden Comet, 22-weeks and some eggs! (These girls' eggs and our new White Leghorns')

 

[sarahandbray]

(I guess I'm kind of ignorant about salmonella. We don't eat raw eggs, we wash our hands every time we are in the chicken pen area, and we only wear one pair of Crocs/big boots when we go in the pastured area.
Are my kids in danger of getting salmonella from these new laying girls, who are healthy and active? Diligent hand-washing should be good, right? Don't want to endanger my kids because of backyard chcikens! (Kids are 6, 8, and 11).