Salmonella

[Ghoastie]

we just got our first chickens, which are 3 day old silkies. We have two. We bought from a private breeder who practices biosecurity, but does not vaccinate. We have a 2.5 year old little girl who is pretty good at following instructions, but she IS 2.5. Her poppa is worrying about salmonella. I see there are vaccines, but they look to be for large commercial flocks, not a teeny flock of two chickens. Are there vaccines for small flocks? Is this something I should be concerned about? Should I just buy the commercial vaccine and just use two teeny doses?

 

[LittleMissCountry]

I would just practice good handwashing. I have two young kids and our chicks were not vaccinated for salmonella. I just made sure the kids washed their hands after handling the chicks. They cuddled them all the time. The chicks are now 12 weeks and no one got sick.

 

[Dr.GarryTTucker]

Hand washing is key. My wife is very meticulous about hand washing.... she is a chef. But! I have read several studies that show Apple cider vinegar keeps salmonella and E. coli out of the picture. So putting it in water either keeps them from getting it or keeps the risks down. Can’t remember. I am constantly handling mine and holding them and what not. Haven’t gotten sick since I have had them

 

[blackdog043]

Hand washing and hand sanitizer, never had a problem yet.

 

[Ghoastie]

Hand washing is key. My wife is very meticulous about hand washing.... she is a chef. But! I have read several studies that show Apple cider vinegar keeps salmonella and E. coli out of the picture. So putting it in water either keeps them from getting it or keeps the risks down. Can’t remember. I am constantly handling mine and holding them and what not. Haven’t gotten sick since I have had them

Do you know the ratio? With my luck, I’d end up killing my chickens with too much ACV.

 

[Dr.GarryTTucker]

Haha Yes typically it’s 2 table spoons per gallon. I was using a cap full when I had a quart size water jug.