Not sure if i made the right choice.

[Sir Birdaholic]

I was raised without shoes, well, it was my choice, & NEVER caught anything from my years of trampling through chicken, cow, or horse poop. As momma said, " It all washes off."

 

[fordmommy]

And.....

 

[ArizonaDesertChicks]

I don't like the poop in my yard (or porch) either. They have a run, but I still let the chickens out every evening for some free range time. I try to go out there each evening and suirt the poops with a hose - it makes a big difference. The poops dissolve into the yard (fertilizer) and the next morning, the kids can play without worrying stepping in a bunch of poop.

 

[StupidBird]

I have fond memories of running barefoot from end of school to beginning of school during my young childhood. Never had a single infected cut, ingrown toenail, sore feet or any other problem until I had to wear shoes year around.
As far as chickens and vermin: In the 20 years we lived here (only the last one with hens), I always knew we had rats, snakes, raccoons, possums, coyotes, etc. So I keep the food well secured, as I do the garbage can.

And you should see what the hens do to the fire ant hills! OMG! Better than any chemical!
But you need to be comfortable! I'm sure there is some real research for possible things to catch from chickens or chicken poop, and if that is any worse than, as stated previously, the wild birds pooping in your yard.
Back in my barefoot days, every day ended with a soak in a hot soapy tub to get off all the grime from a day of adventures. A tub soak is great for all sorts of abrasions. I wish you well.

 

[chicksalot]

You know, I remember as a kid always shoeless...horse poop, dog poop, cat poop, chicken poop and everything else you don't always see, and it never knocked me down. Yet, now you do hear alot about all the germs & how it'll make you sick...so I now wear poo-boots, wash hands well, etc and have used the hose like ArizonaDesertChicks does. Are we just 'running scared' these days or have we gotten 'weak' ? What's up with that???

 

[suburbanminifarm]

You probably already do this, but I keep those cheap-o rubber clogs outside and make it a firm rule that averyone must slip them on before scampering outside. I don't think there's anything zoonotic the kids can catch from the chickens. Remember organisms are specific to their hosts; your kids will catch diseases from their friends more likely.

And also pick up the feed dishes as part of your routine when you lock your chickens up for the night. No vermin should be attracted. Hope you learn to love and appreciate your pets-- Hang out here more and Good luck!!

 

[LALADY1101]

I understand...I kinda felt the same way when I first got mine. Mine free range in my fenced in back yard and they love to come on my patio and hang out. I don't particualrly like having to spray my concrete EVERY day, however I LOVE my chickens!! If you would have told me a year or so ago that I would feel the way I do about them, I would have said NO WAY that's crazy. I have 3 silkie babies (and more eggs in the bator) and a brown leghorn that stay on or right around my patio. It would be very easy to cordone a portion of my yard off for them, but then I would miss the interaction that I have with them. I have RIR that are cordoned off and I never spend any time with them. On most days, my leghorn will come jump on the back of my chair and stay there while I pet her. My silkie girls come running when they hear my voice (well, most of the time). Give it some time and if you still feel this way in a month or so, give them away. Good luck and best wishes to ya!!

 

[canada-goose]

You just need to sit back and gaze at them for a few hours. Give them some treats, see each one's personality.

Chipmunk is funny and cute. She loves to hop up on my arm and scratch at my clothes. I love her!

Lord Firestar is very sweet. He would never even think of hurting anyone! When you look into his face, you see worried cuteness.

Just ignore all fears of sickness and get to know your birds! If you still dislike them in a week or so, you can find them a new home. Give them a second chance!

 

[Chickens14]

I am a nurse & a fanatic with germs

I would rather have my son be exposed to some poop around the yard.... then what I go through having to get thru public bathrooms

my son is happy & healthy!! Really no need to worry & if you want put a fence up for the chickens... but all in all you have to do what feels best for you good luck

 

[chickaddict]

I love and freerange my girls but had a huge problem with chicken poo on the back porch. After a little thought and some help from my teenagers we built a "moveable fence"

60 feet of chicken wire fencing
3 old buckes
3 fat solid sticks
cement

Our property is only 50 feet wide. The moveable fence allows us to keep the chickens of the porch during the second half of spring and throughout the summer. The only times we actually care to be on the porch.

The rest of the year we fold it in half (2 buckets on one side and the bucket in the middle on the other) in a u shape in front of the coop door. Then you take all the crap that falls in your yard in the fall and fill it in between the 2 fence halves. This creates a wind barrier right in front of the coop door. That means less snow to move to get to the coop - less wind on the birds - and creates an outdoor space for scratch treats.

In the spring take all the leaves and pine needles (that wonderful yard crap that filled in your wall) and move it right into your compost pile. The worms will love you, and you'll have your moveable fence back.

I'd post a picture if I had any clue how, but I don't.