Risks to Human Children?

[Guavacoop]

We're thinking about getting a couple of chicks to raise. My 4-year-old would be holding them. Does anyone know of, or know a good website about, any health risks (or lack thereof) to kids?
Thanks,
GC

 

[MayberrySaint]

Your child will probably get chicken poop on his/her shoes...

 

[silkiechicken]

Few birds and washing of hands = safe. Your household cat or dog is easily worse health wise than the birds.

 

[Jsto]

Washing hands before and after handling is never a bad idea. I think you'll find that you want to, anyway. I don't know about anyone else, but my chickens track God knows what around on their feet and it usually ends up on my arm

Today I think someone managed to pick up some dog poop and it eventually made it's way right onto my leg. Not pleasant at all!

 

[bantymum]

well my chickens are freerange and they poop on the grass, my son plays football and the ball bounces on the poop, then he handles the ball, then comes inside to have a snack, he doesnt wash his hands everytime, but he never gets sick and he has built up great immunity.
Possibly worms can be picked up but we have a regular worming program for all of us!!!!
Go on get some chicks, you will all have fun, and eat fresh eggs!

 

[justusnak]

I agree with Bantymum. As a kid, we raised chickens every year. I can not remember how many times as kids we would come in from doing "chores" and had not washed before getting a snack. I have chickens, and am now a little more carefull. However.....there have been times when I would come in from the coop, and forget to wash my hands, when grabbing a piece of fruit or some snack. Im sure, as long as they are not eating the poo, they will be fine. Keep the chicken coop clean will of course help!

 

[ozark hen]

Have a container of anti-bacterial wipes outside your coop and make it a rule to wipe hands down thoroughly after handling chickens. One of the guys on here does that with his kids and I thought it a wonderful idea.

 

[aran]

yep...thats what we do too. We started that little habit with our son's hamster handling and he has continued to do it after playing with his chickens...and man he spends A HUGE AMOUNT OF TIME WITH HIS BIRDS!

His RIR rooster is too cute...he is 9 weeks old and made his first attempt at crowing yesterday...sounded like a sick bicycle horn hehehe.

 

[ozark hen]

LOL that is sooo cute. Please can you post a pic?

 

[Chelly]

I don't yet have my chickens, but its the least of my concerns, getting a little dirty will beef up their immune system, which is never a bad thing.
I might be a little more careful if the kids were playing with someone elses chickens, but it wouldn't be a big deal - just a month ago both my kids were playing with chickens and goats belonging to someone else, didn't wash hands, then we got back in the car for a long drive home..... nobody got sick.